Post Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) Test

The Blood Sugar Postprandial Test is done two hours after you start eating your meals. It helps detect prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes,  gestational diabetes and other types of diabetes. If your postprandial blood sugars are above 140-200 mg/dL, it indicates that you may have diabetes mellitus.

The Blood Sugar Postprandial Test helps to understand how your body processes sugars. The blood sugar levels usually increase after a meal. If your pancreas functions properly and releases insulin, the blood glucose levels lower down gradually and are utilized by the body for energy.

In healthy individuals, blood sugar levels usually drop back to normal levels after meals. But if you have prediabetes, diabetes, or gestational diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin or does not react to the insulin being produced resulting in higher levels of blood glucose.

The Blood Sugar Postprandial Test is a test that is done by taking a blood sample. As this test is done 2 hours after your meals, it is usually done as a stand-alone test.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Prediabetes, Gestational Diabetes

The test measures your blood glucose levels after meals. Once you eat something, the glucose in the food is released and broken down. Your body produces insulin to break down the glucose and store it or use it as energy.

When you have diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes, your body can't produce insulin or utilise insulin properly. As a result, your blood sugar levels are high, and this can be detected with the Blood Sugar Postprandial Test.

The postprandial blood sugar test helps to understand how your body processes sugars after a meal. It can be helpful to -

• Diagnose the following health conditions: 
• Prediabetes 
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Other types of diabetes

• Screening - screening of people at risk of developing diabetes.
• Monitoring the diabetes control- For patients diagnosed with diabetes, this test helps to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing treatment and dietary control.

The Blood Sugar Postprandial Test can be advised for all genders and age groups. People with a high risk for developing diabetes are advised to get the postprandial blood sugar test done. You may face a greater risk for developing diabetes if:

• You are above 40 years of age.
• You have a family member suffering from diabetes.
• You are pregnant, and you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
• You are pregnant with gestational diabetes.
• You are overweight or obese.
• You have high blood sugar levels in the FBS test.
• You maintain low levels of physical activity.
• If you are a female with PCOS.
• If you are on long term steroid medications.
• If you have habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
• If you notice the following symptoms indicating diabetes-
• Excessive hunger, and thirst
• Increased frequency of urination
• Recurrent infections
• Weakness
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Blurring of vision

The Blood Sugar Postprandial Test is repeated based on the following parameters:

• If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
• Your blood sugar control.
• The medicines that you are taking for your diabetes.

The frequency for each of these parameters differs as follows:

• If you have type 2 diabetes, repeat the test every month.
• If you have type 1 diabetes, repeat the test every day.
• If you have prediabetes, repeat the test every 6 months.
• If your diabetes is poorly controlled, then repeat the test every week.
• If your doctor has changed your treatment plan, repeat the Blood Sugar Postprandial Test 1 month after changing your medicines.

Before the Test

Generally, no special test preparation is required before an Blood Sugar Postprandial Test. The sample is taken 2 hours after you begin your meal (one full meal), usually lunch. However, if this test is done in conjunction with another test, your physician may ask you to avoid certain food items. In order to get the most accurate results, it is necessary to consult a medical professional before taking the test.

During the Test

A phlebotomist will draw blood from a vein in your arm to collect a sample. Your experience will be something like this:

• The area where the needle will be inserted is cleaned with antiseptic lotion.

• A tourniquet band is tied around the arm to dilate the veins.

• A new syringe needle will be inserted into the vein to draw blood. This procedure may take a few seconds, during which you may feel a slight pain of needle pricking.

• Your blood sample will be stored in a small vial or test tube with your test details.

After the Test

Once the blood is collected:

• A sticking plaster is applied to the needle insertion site to prevent bleeding.

• There may be a slight soreness or lightheadedness in some cases, nothing to worry about. You may be asked to sit for a few minutes.

• Contact your doctor if there is bleeding, pain or rashes at the puncture site.

The Blood Sugar Postprandial Test measures the blood sugar levels in your body 2 hours after meals.

The pricing for a PPBS test can vary based on the city and the laboratory. Typically, the cost of a PPBS  test ranges from INR 89 to INR 329. Here is a detailed breakdown of the average charges for a PPBS test in various major cities across India: