Postprandial blood glucose is a person's blood glucose level measured after eating a meal. After eating, the body uses glucose during the digestion process and the levels of sugar circulating in the blood increase. Normally, postprandial blood glucose is measured within 2 hours after a meal. Regular monitoring of postprandial blood glucose levels, and following doctor's recommendations when necessary, can help in early diagnosis of diabetes or metabolic problems.
Postprandial blood glucose levels can vary depending on the type and amount of food a person eats, the speed of digestion and the person's metabolism. A healthy person's postprandial blood glucose levels are usually higher than fasting blood glucose levels, but are considered normal up to a certain limit.
What Should Satiety Blood Sugar Be?
Postprandial blood glucose levels are a person's blood glucose levels measured after eating a meal. The optimal or normal postprandial blood glucose value can vary from person to person and can vary depending on a number of factors. However, a generally accepted guideline is a postprandial 2-hour postprandial blood glucose of 140 mg/dL or less.
Ideally, the postprandial postprandial blood glucose level should be higher than the fasting blood glucose level (usually 70-100 mg/dL), but should not exceed 140 mg/dL. These limits reflect the healthy processing of food consumption and the effective use of insulin.
High postprandial blood glucose levels can be a sign of metabolic problems such as type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (impaired sugar tolerance). It is therefore important to monitor postprandial blood glucose regularly and follow the advice of a health professional when necessary. Individualized healthy blood glucose targets should be set by a doctor.
How and When to Measure Postprandial Blood Glucose?
Postprandial blood glucose is a medical procedure used to measure blood glucose after eating a meal and is important for monitoring and assessing metabolic problems such as type 2 diabetes. This measurement is done using a blood glucose meter, a drop of blood is taken by pricking the finger and the result is quickly measured.
Usually a 2-hour postprandial postprandial blood glucose measurement is preferred, but in some cases 1-hour or 3-hour measurements can also be taken.
What Causes High Postprandial Blood Glucose?
High postprandial blood glucose refers to the condition in which a person's blood glucose levels measured after eating are above the normal range. This condition can occur due to various reasons. Some factors that cause high postprandial blood sugar:
Type 2 Diabetes: One of the most common causes of high postprandial blood sugar is type 2 diabetes or diabetes. In this condition, the body cannot use insulin effectively and has difficulty keeping blood sugar within normal limits.
Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's ability to use insulin is reduced. This can cause blood sugar to spike after a meal.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a women's health condition that leads to hormonal imbalances. This can lead to insulin resistance and elevated postprandial blood sugar.
Impaired Sugar Tolerance (Prediabetes): Impaired sugar tolerance refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but have not yet reached the limits of type 2 diabetes. In this case, postprandial blood sugar spikes are common.
Food Habits: Excessive consumption of high-carbohydrate, high-sugar foods or overeating can lead to high postprandial blood sugar.
Lack of Physical Activity: Regular physical activity helps keep blood sugar under control. Lack of physical activity can contribute to high postprandial blood sugar.
Genetic Factors: Family history can affect the risk of high postprandial blood sugar. People with a family history of type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar may be at higher risk.
What are the Symptoms of High Postprandial Blood Sugar?
Some symptoms may occur in cases of high postprandial blood sugar. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. Symptoms that can be seen in cases of high postprandial blood sugar may be as follows:
Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): High blood sugar causes excess sugar to build up in the body, which can lead to increased thirst.
Excessive Urination (Polyuria): High blood sugar can cause the kidneys to excrete more water and urine. Therefore, the need to urinate frequently may increase.
Extreme Fatigue and Weakness: High blood sugar levels can make it harder for glucose to enter cells, which can lead to a lack of energy and a feeling of tiredness.
Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can cause swelling of the eye lens, which can lead to blurred vision or focusing problems.
Appetite Changes: Some people may experience extreme hunger, while others may lose their appetite.
Headache: High blood sugar can cause headaches, such as headaches.
Skin Problems: Skin problems such as itching, dry skin or recurrent skin infections may occur.
Odor Problems: High blood sugar can cause odor problems in some people, such as bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth.
Muscle Weakness and Muscle Cramps: High blood sugar can cause muscle weakness, muscle cramps or muscle aches.
Why does low postprandial blood sugar occur?
Low postprandial blood sugar (hypoglycemia) refers to a condition in which blood sugar drops below the normal range after a meal. This condition can occur for many reasons and is often associated with low blood sugar levels. Here are some factors that can cause low postprandial blood sugar:
Medication Overuse: Diabetes patients use insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs to control their blood sugar levels. However, overdosing or accidentally taking too much of these medications can lead to low postprandial blood sugar.
Length of Fasting Periods: Prolonged fasting or skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar. This is especially common in people with irregular or low-calorie diets.
Physical Activity: Excessive physical activity after a meal can cause rapid carbohydrate depletion and lower blood sugar.
Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can lower blood sugar. This risk increases especially when alcohol is consumed with a meal.
Gastrointestinal Problems: Some gastrointestinal problems can affect the absorption of food, which can lead to low blood sugar.
Metabolic Problems: Rarely, some metabolic problems or rare diseases can lead to low postprandial blood sugar.
What are the symptoms of low postprandial blood sugar?
Low postprandial blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a condition in which blood sugar drops below normal levels and means that the body cannot meet its energy needs. Symptoms of low postprandial blood sugar can appear quickly and vary from person to person. Here are common symptoms of low postprandial blood sugar:
Suddenly increased sweating can be a symptom of low postprandial blood sugar.
Rapid Heartbeat: A rapid heartbeat can be the result of the body trying to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Shivering and Trembling: Trembling or shivering sensations in the hands and legs is a common symptom.
Feeling of Hunger: The person may immediately feel hungry and want to eat something quickly.
Headaches: Headaches can be one of the symptoms of low postprandial blood sugar.
Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Loss of balance, dizziness and lightheadedness may occur.
Irritability: The person may feel restless, irritable or nervous.
Lack of Concentration: Cognitive problems such as decreased ability to focus mentally, lack of attention.
Fatigue: There may be a feeling of fatigue due to a rapid drop in blood sugar leading to a lack of energy.
Hunger and Loss of Appetite: The person may feel a loss of appetite and may not want to eat.