What is Postprandial Blood Sugar Test (PPBS)?
The PPBS (Postprandial Blood Sugar) test or PP sugar test determines the amount of glucose concentrations in the blood after having a meal 1.
Postprandial refers to the period after a meal, and prandial refers to meals in general. After eating, blood sugar levels rise, regardless of the food type, and typically return to normal within 2-4 hours as the body uses glucose for energy. This rise in glucose is termed postprandial blood sugar. While healthy individuals generally need not worry about these levels, attention is required for those with hypoglycemia or Type 2 Diabetes, as they can experience adverse effects from these fluctuations.
The PPBS blood test results show the basis of diabetes, including normal values for PPBS, high-range indications, diagnosis, and treatment, and they are also used to monitor its progress.
About PPBS Test
Learn everything about the PP blood test, before you book a lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.
Why Do Doctors Recommend PPBS Blood Testing?
The primary purpose of the PPBS blood test includes:
- The postprandial glucose test is recommended to check for post prandial blood sugar normal range, prediabetes, and types 1 & 2 diabetes in a person.
- Monitor the efficiency of both current and past treatments that were used to treat diabetes in a patient.
- To understand the changes required in ongoing treatment for successfully managing pp blood sugar level.
- Doctors recommend PPBS (Postprandial Blood Sugar) testing as part of a full body checkup to assess overall health and monitor diabetes.
Factors That Affect the (PPBS) Postprandial Blood Sugar Level Test
The following factors affect the postprandial glucose test:2
- Glycemic Index (GI) of Foods: The GI of foods is a key influence that could affect the amount of glucose postprandial.
- Exercise: Physical activity impacts normal PPBS levels in the blood two hours after a meal.
- Meal Timings: Sleeping right after eating after a meal has a negative consequence on the PPBS blood sugar normal range.
How To Prepare For the PPBS Test?
The steps below help you ensure that your PPBS blood test provides the most accurate information about your health.
- Fasting requirements: Before the Fasting Blood Sugar Test, it’s necessary to fast overnight for 12 hours. Following this, a nutritious breakfast is consumed, and the PPBS test is conducted approximately 2 hours later. It’s crucial to remain at rest during the 2-hour interval between breakfast and the PPBS blood collection.
- Medication guidelines: Tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Follow any specific instructions regarding drug adjustment before PPBS testing.
- Contact to doctor: Share your entire medical history with existing conditions or symptoms to help explain test results.
What Happens During PPBS Testing?
A PPBS Blood Test only takes a few minutes.
- As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a Lab Technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
- A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
- The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
- The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
- They place a small bandage on the arm
Please note: There might be slight pain or bruising at the spot of insertion, but most of the symptoms go away quickly.
Finding PPBS Test
Should you book blood test online to check your health condition or go to the nearest clinic and get it done by a medical professional? Let’s Find Out
Can I Take a PPBS Test At Home?
Yes, the PPBS Test (Postprandial Glucose Test) can be taken at home. HealthcareOnTime’s at-home lab testing service, in association with thyrocare, provides a convenient and efficient way to get blood testing done from the comfort of your own home without the need for a doctor’s visit or a trip to a lab. It’s important to note that it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert healthcare provider about any queries you may have about your test results.
How Much Does the PPBS Test Cost?
The PPBS test price varies significantly depending on many factors:
- Location: The PPBS test prices in India may vary depending on the city or the region in which the test is conducted. For example, in Bangalore or Mumbai, it might be expensive compared to small towns.
- Type of facility centres: The PPBS test cost also varies between private hospitals, government hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Cost is lower in government hospitals as compared to private ones.
- Healthcare centres: Diagnostic centres, laboratories and hospitals may have different PPBS test prices. It depends upon the benefits and reputation of the healthcare centre.
- Insurance Coverage: Individuals with health insurance can cover partial or all costs depending on their policy coverage and network providers.
- Other tests: PPBS Test can be part of a larger panel of tests, such as a comprehensive Diabetic Profile Test. The overall cost may vary depending on the number and type of tests included in the panel.
- Additional services: Additional services such as home sample collection, express test results, or additional charges for special management may be paid, which contributes to the overall PPBS test price.
Generally, the PPBS test cost in India ranges from INR 100 to INR. 350. By opting for HealthcareOnTime lab test at-home facilities, you can access the PPBS test at the cost of INR 80.
Test Results Interpretation
You received your PPBS test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to know if your results range between the PPBS blood sugar normal level.
What do PPBS Test Results Mean?
The Postprandial blood sugar test results measures blood glucose levels after eating, specifically assessing how the body processes glucose.
- Normal PPBS Levels: Generally, for individuals without diabetes, a PPBS result of less than 140 mg/dL is considered normal. This indicates effective glucose processing post-meal.
- Elevated PPBS Levels: Readings above these thresholds may suggest inadequate glucose control which could indicate prediabetes, signalling a higher risk of developing diabetes or indication of diabetes, warranting further testing for diagnosis.
- Special cases: For gestational diabetes, a blood glucose level of less than 120 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or 6.7 mmol/L (millimoles per litre) is considered within the normal range.3
What is PPBS Blood Sugar Normal Range?
It’s essential to recognise that Postprandial blood sugar test outcomes can differ based on several personal factors, including age, gender, and medical background. The table below indicates the postprandial blood sugar levels:
| Level | Indication |
| Below is 140 mg/dL 4 | Normal PPBS level |
| 140 – 199 mg/dL 5 | Chances/risk of developing diabetes (prediabetes) |
| Above 200 mg/dL | Indicated diabetes (must be confirmed with another test) |
What Underlying Conditions Can Cause Prediabetes?
The likelihood of developing prediabetes or diabetes increases if an individual is obese, leads a sedentary lifestyle, has a family history of type 2 diabetes among parents or siblings, has gestational diabetes, or belongs to ethnic groups such as African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic.6
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High PPBS Levels?
Conditions such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis can impair the pancreas’s function, leading to high Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) levels or hyperglycemia. This disruption in insulin production and regulation can affect individuals regardless of their diabetic status, highlighting the importance of managing the underlying pancreatic issue to control blood sugar levels.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low PPBS Levels?
Medical conditions that can cause low postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) levels include severe liver illnesses like severe hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, severe infections, kidney disease, and advanced heart disease. Kidney conditions may obstruct medication excretion, impacting glucose levels by causing the accumulation of drugs that lower blood sugar.7
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FAQs Around Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS Test) Test
How often should ppbs test be done for diabetes management?
For managing diabetes, how often you should have a PPBS test will vary based on your health status and treatment regimen. Healthcare providers typically advise regular testing to track blood sugar levels and make necessary adjustments to medications or lifestyle. For example, individuals with stable diabetes might only need a PPBS test once or twice annually, whereas those with poorly controlled diabetes or gestational diabetes may require more frequent testing. It’s crucial to discuss with a healthcare professional to establish the right testing schedule based on your specific needs.
How does the frequency of ppbs test vary for different stages of diabetes?
The frequency of PPBS (Postprandial Blood Sugar) testing can vary based on the stage of diabetes and individual requirements. People with well-managed diabetes may undergo PPBS testing annually, whereas individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or gestational diabetes may require more frequent testing, such as every 3-6 months or even monthly. It’s crucial to discuss with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate testing schedule tailored to individual needs. Regular PPBS testing assists in monitoring blood sugar levels, adjusting medications or lifestyle changes, and preventing long-term complications associated with diabetes.
What are the risks of not getting regular ppbs test for diabetes management?
Neglecting regular PPBS tests for diabetes management can result in undetected complications, poor diabetes control, inadequate medication adjustments, insufficient evaluation of lifestyle modifications, and increased risk of severe long-term complications. Regular PPBS testing is essential for effective diabetes management and preventing or reducing the impact of long-term health issues.
