Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions affecting millions of people in India. Regular blood sugar testing is essential to prevent complications if you or a loved one is at risk. While many people know about fasting blood sugar tests, checking sugar levels after a meal is just as crucial. This is where the PPBS test comes into play.
The PPBS test, or Post Prandial Blood Sugar test, helps assess how well your body processes glucose after eating. It plays a vital role in diagnosing diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. This article covers everything if you want to know how to prepare for it, its normal range, or its costs.
What Is a PPBS Test?
PPBS test evaluates blood sugar levels two hours after a specific meal. It helps health specialists assess how well your body uses glucose after food intake. In addition to fasting blood sugar tests, these tests are frequently performed to gain full insight into a person’s mastery over their blood sugar.
The test is especially useful for:
It is natural for blood sugar levels to increase after meals, but if the sugar level is consistently high, this requires thorough examination. The PPBS test assists in:
Keeping your PPBS within normal limits can help prevent serious complications such as heart issues, nerve damage and kidney disease.
The normal range of a PPBS test indicates whether you have healthy or unhealthy blood sugar levels. Follow this guide to understand your test results:
You must see a medical professional immediately if your post-prandial blood sugar level is below normal.
This test is relatively easy but requires some preparations. Here’s how the PPBS test is done:
Step 1: Fasting Blood Sugar Test
Before engaging in a PPBS test, you must complete a fasting blood sugar test for 8-12 hours after fasting. This determines the baseline glucose level.
Step 2: Eat Regular Meal
After completing the fasting test, you can have a meal. Avoid eating a lot of sugar and refined carbs, as they may interfere with the test results.
Step 3: Two Hours Wait
To get accurate results, you must let two hours go by before taking the blood sample.
Step 4: Blood Sample Collection
A small sample of blood is drawn from the arm. The blood is analyzed in a lab, resulting in the post prandial blood sugar level.
That’s it. Your doctor will analyze the test results and, depending on your PPBS normal range, will recommend further measures.
The PPBS test is relatively inexpensive and most likely offered everywhere in India. The costs can differ according to:
A best diagnostic centre would be a good idea for any additional information. You can reduce the costs of booking an appointment in advance. Alternatively, opting for a full body test may also benefit you.
Several factors can impact your post prandial blood sugar level. These include:
1) Diet Composition
Your choice of diet can contribute to or help prevent blood sugar spikes. The overconsumption of refined carbohydrates and sugars will almost certainly lead to higher levels. Choosing fibre-rich and protein-based meals helps maintain a healthy PPBS normal range.
2) Physical Activity
Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. Lack of physical activity can lead to higher PPBS test readings.
3) Meal Timing
Late-night meals or skipping meals can disrupt blood sugar balance. Eating meals at regular intervals helps maintain normal levels.
4) Medications
Other forms of medication like birth control and steroids may heighten post prandial blood sugar. Be sure to inform your physician of any existing medications before the PPBS test.
A PPBS test is recommended for:
If you find yourself with excessive thirst, fatigue, and frequent urination, you should reach out to your doctor to test for PPBS.
If your post prandial blood sugar level is higher than normal, here’s how to lower it:
Any consistently elevated PPBS readings require physician intervention. Proactive action can help avert dire consequences, such as heart disease or kidney failure.
The PPBS test is very important for both diabetes diagnosis and management. The test done by taking blood sugar levels after meals gives insight into the extent to which your body metabolizes glucose. Frequent testing can identify diabetes in the early stages, thus helping avert complications and offering the appropriate medical management.
If you're at risk of diabetes or need routine monitoring, don’t delay testing. Book a full body test from Pathkind Labs today and take a step towards better health!