Postprandial blood sugar, also known as post-meal blood sugar, refers to the level of glucose in the blood after consuming a meal so monitoring postprandial blood sugar is essential for individuals with diabetes, as it provides valuable information about how the body responds to different foods and helps in managing blood sugar levels effectively. Read on as we delve into postprandial blood sugar levels, tests used to measure it, what the results reveal and expert tips to manage it.
Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels:
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vigyan Mishra, Chief of Lab at Neuberg Diagnostics, said, “Normally, blood sugar levels rise after eating and then gradually decline as the body uses the glucose for energy or stores it for future use. For healthy individuals, postprandial blood sugar levels should typically stay below 140 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) two hours after a meal. However, for individuals with diabetes, these levels can be higher, indicating difficulties in regulating blood sugar.”
Postprandial Blood Sugar Tests:
According to Dr Vigyan Mishra, there are two primary methods to measure postprandial blood sugar levels –
Fingerstick Blood Sugar Test: This is a simple and common test that can be performed at home. A person pricks their finger using a lancet to obtain a small blood sample and then uses a glucose meter to measure their blood sugar level. The test is usually done before eating (fasting blood sugar) and again one to two hours after the start of a meal to measure postprandial blood sugar.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test is often conducted in a medical setting. The person fasts overnight, and their fasting blood sugar level is measured. Then, they consume a specific amount of glucose solution, and blood sugar levels are monitored at regular intervals, usually at one hour and two hours after consuming the glucose solution. This test is more comprehensive and can help diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.
Managing Postprandial Blood Sugar:
Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Shrey Srivastav, Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine at Sharda Hospital in Greater Noida, insisted that for individuals with diabetes, managing postprandial blood sugar is essential to prevent complications and maintain overall health. He recommended some strategies –
Balanced Diet: Consuming a balanced diet with appropriate portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels after meals. Regular Exercise: Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and aid in regulating blood sugar levels.
Medication: Some individuals may require diabetes medications or insulin therapy to control postprandial blood sugar effectively.
Stress Management: Stress can influence blood sugar levels, so practicing stress-reduction techniques can be beneficial. Source: HT