Insulin Post Prandial (PP) Test

As the name suggests, the Insulin PP Test measures the amount of insulin in your bloodstream 2 hours after a meal. Insulin moves glucose from your bloodstream into the cells. Glucose comes from the food you eat and drink. It is also the main source of energy for your body.

The glucose levels in the body are maintained by insulin. Abnormal glucose levels can cause a lot of health problems. It can also lead to chronic illnesses. If the glucose levels are not normal, it is known either as:

• Hyperglycemia: In this condition, the blood glucose levels are too high because your body is not able to make enough insulin. A lack of insulin prevents the body from transporting glucose to the cells. It stays in the bloodstream and builds up.
• Hypoglycemia: It is a condition where blood sugar levels are too low. In this case, the body secretes an excess of insulin and sends it to the blood. So, a considerable quantity of glucose goes into your cells and only a little is left in the bloodstream.

 Diabetes is the major cause of abnormal glucose levels. There are two types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes: In Type 1 diabetes, your body makes little or no insulin at all. This can lead to hyperglycemia.
• Type 2 Diabetes: In Type 2 diabetes, your body makes insulin, but the cells in the body do not respond appropriately to it. Thus, they cannot take up an adequate amount of glucose from the blood and this is known as insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is a situation that often develops before Type 2 diabetes. In the beginning, insulin resistance causes the body to make extra insulin to make up for the scarcity of the hormone. Thus, the extra insulin can lead to hypoglycemia.

However, insulin resistance is a condition that can get worse over time. Also, it can affect your body’s ability to make insulin. So, when the insulin level drops, blood sugar levels increase. If the levels don’t go back to normal, you get Type 2 diabetes.

The Insulin PP test measures and evaluates the insulin production by the beta cells in the pancreas. It further helps to determine the cause of low blood sugar levels or high blood sugar levels in the body as well. It will also help the doctor to understand whether a Type 2 diabetic patient needs extra insulin or not.

A doctor will ask for Insulin PP test results if you show signs of sweating, confusion, hunger, dizziness, blurred vision, fainting and palpitations. Other symptoms include extreme hunger, trembling and irregular heartbeat. The Insulin PP test helps with the diagnosis of high blood sugar levels or low blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is a condition that is very common in all parts of India. Some people have diabetes due to genetic disorders. A majority of the affected population has Type 2 diabetes due to stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. People living in metro cities with no work-life balance often face health issues associated with insulin.

Type 2 diabetes, Insulin resistance, Insulinoma, Hypoglycemia

The Insulin PP Profile test measures the insulin levels in the blood after two hours of having a meal. It also checks whether a person has diabetes or not. If a person has diabetes, it means that the body is not able to produce adequate amounts of insulin to keep the glucose in check. This can lead to high sugar levels, which can lead to damage to the eyes or nerves.

 Some disease conditions for which the Insulin PP test is done are:

• Suspected Insulinoma
• Insulin resistance
• To determine insulin therapy if you are a diabetic
• Heart disease
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The Insulin PP Profile test also tells how the body reacts to sugar and starch after a meal.

 Abnormal glucose levels present with the following symptoms:

• Trembling
• Sweating
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Extreme hunger
• Blurred vision
• Fainting

Following a diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe an Insulin PP Blood test every month or three months.

An Insulin PP test helps with the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. If the result of the Insulin PP profile test confirms a diagnosis, appropriate medication should be taken. The test has to be repeated every month so that the doctor can monitor the insulin levels in your bloodstream.

Also, it helps the doctor to understand the effectiveness of your ongoing treatment. Once your insulin levels stabilise, the doctor might ask you to take the Insulin PP test every three months.

What to Expect During the Test

Before the Test

Before undergoing the Insulin PP test, it is important to fast for A to B hours beforehand. This fasting period is crucial for achieving accurate test results. Therefore, it is wise to seek advice from a doctor before taking any test to determine if there are any specific restrictions in place.

During the Test

A phlebotomist will draw blood from a vein in your arm for the sample. Your experience will likely involve:

• Disinfecting the site where the needle will be inserted with an antiseptic.
• Wrapping a tourniquet around your arm to make the veins more visible.
• Inserting a disposable needle into the vein to collect the blood. This process may cause minor discomfort from the needle and could take a few seconds.
• Placing the sample in a small container or test tube labelled with your test information.

After the Test

After the Blood is Collected:

• Applying a bandage to the site where the needle was inserted to prevent any bleeding.
• You may feel slightly sore or lightheaded, which is normal and nothing to be concerned about. You may be advised to rest for a few minutes.
• Contact your doctor if you experience any bleeding, discomfort, or rashes at the puncture site.

The Insulin PP Blood test is carried out to determine the following and under the following conditions:

• Cause of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• Monitor the condition of Type 2 diabetes
• If there is a tumour in the pancreas, known as insulinoma. If the tumour is removed, then the test is done to see whether the surgery was successful.
• Diagnose and monitor insulin resistance

The parameters that are covered in this test is Insulin PP. Sometimes, the Insulin PP Profile test is carried out to diagnose and monitor Type 1 diabetes as well. The result of the Insulin PP test is not expressed as positive or negative. The value is higher or lower, which further determines a certain type of diabetes and condition in the body.

The normal insulin PP levels range from 5.00 uU/mL to 55.00 uU/mL for men and women. Insulin levels that are not in this range are abnormal.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

If the Insulin PP test results are higher than normal, then you might have:

• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes
• Insulinoma or pancreatic tumour
• Hypoglycemia
• Cushing's Syndrome, a disorder of the adrenal glands, which produce hormones to help the body break down fats and proteins

If the Insulin PP test results are low, then they are indicative of:

• Hyperglycemia
• Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas
• Type 1 diabetes

If your Insulin PP test results are higher or lower, you should undergo treatment immediately.