The pancreatic beta cells secrete the hormone known as insulin. After a meal, it is released in response to rising blood glucose. The movement and storage of glucose which is our body's main energy source depends on insulin. This test checks the blood's insulin levels two hours after a meal. If you have diabetes, low blood sugar, and symptoms like sweating, wooziness, palpitations, or fainting, your doctor may recommend this test. It can help your doctor determine whether you have Insulinoma or insulin resistance.

What is the Insulin PP (Post Prandial) Test? 

The pancreatic beta cells secrete the hormone known as insulin. After a meal, it is released in response to rising blood glucose. The movement and storage of glucose which is our body's main energy source depends on insulin. This test checks the blood's insulin levels two hours after a meal. If you have diabetes, low blood sugar, and symptoms like sweating, wooziness, palpitations, or fainting, your doctor may recommend this test. It can help your doctor determine whether you have Insulinoma or insulin resistance. 

What is the Purpose of the Insulin PP (Post Prandial)Test? 

The sole purpose of the Insulin PP Test is to detect diabetes. This is used to determine how your body reacts to glucose (sugar) after eating a meal. Insulin reaches its maximal level within 2 hours of eating a meal. Insulin transports the glucose into the cells to bring the level back to normal. Your insulin and blood glucose levels should be back to normal after two hours of eating. The test is performed to assess post-meal glucose levels. 

When treating diabetes, it is crucial to identify it early and maintain vigilant blood glucose monitoring. Diabetes can cause a number of major health issues, such as heart disease, organ failure, foot ulcers, and blindness if it is not addressed. It is advised for everyone to get tested for diabetes, including those who appear to be in good health, and those who are at higher risk. Those who are obese should get checked more frequently. After a diagnosis of diabetes, routine blood glucose tests are performed to ensure that the symptoms are under control. 

What Does the Insulin PP (Post Prandial) Test Diagnose? 

The test checks the blood's glucose level. As soon as food enters the body, blood glucose levels increase. Insulin is then released into the bloodstream by the pancreas. Glucose from the bloodstream is transferred by insulin into tissue and fat cells, where it can be stored as energy. Blood glucose levels should return to normal after two hours of eating if the system is functioning properly. But, in those who have diabetes, the pancreas may not generate enough insulin or there may be cells that prevent insulin from transporting the glucose. In this scenario, two hours after eating, the glucose level would still be high. 

Who Needs the Insulin PP (Post Prandial) Test? 

Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. This may result in elevated blood sugar levels, which in turn may cause more severe health issues like damage to the eyes and nerves. 

The test is typically advised for individuals who exhibit symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, increased appetite, weight loss, fatigue, or blurred vision as well as to detect insulin resistance in cases of suspected or confirmed diabetes, in cases of patients, in women with PCOS, etc. If you have type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, heart disease, or metabolic syndrome, consult your doctor for the test. 

Insulin PP Test is also advised:
 

• To decide when to prescribe insulin if you have diabetes 
• In case of a possible insulinoma 
• To check insulin resistance
   

Preparation and Procedure of the Insulin PP (Post Prandial) Test 

Before the test, you must fast for 12 hours before eating a meal containing at least 75 grams of carbs. Don't eat anything else after the meal until the test is over. Consider taking a nap during the two hours of waiting because exercise can raise blood sugar levels. 

Procedure: 
 

• A blood sample is drawn from the arm by a medical professional.  

• An alcohol swab is used to clean the area where the blood is to be extracted.  

• A tiny needle with a tube attached to it is then inserted to begin the blood collection process.  

• The needle is taken out once there is enough blood taken out for analysis. After that, a gauze pad is placed over the area. 
   

Understanding of the Insulin PP (Post Prandial) test Results 

Postprandial insulin test normal ranges can differ from one laboratory to another. It will determine if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or are not diabetic by referring to the blood sugar test's normal values. 
 

• Early diabetes 140 – 200 (mg/dL), Postprandial (PP) Blood Sugar Level 2 hrs after eating 
• Diabetes > 200, Postprandial (PP) Blood Sugar Level 2 hrs after eating 
   

The post-prandial blood sugar ranges below show the typical blood glucose values in a healthy, non-diabetic person at various intervals of testing, as recommended by the ADA: 
 

• 1 hour after meals 90 – 130 mg/dL Blood Glucose Level 
• 2 hours after meals 90 – 110 mg/dL Blood Glucose Level 
• > 5 hours after eating 70 – 90 mg/dL Blood Glucose Level 
   

Age has a significant impact on the blood sugar level in diabetics. During various periods of testing, the blood sugar levels of diabetics vary depending on their age. 
 

• 6 – 12 years Up to 140 mg/dL, Normal blood sugar level -2 hours after eating 
• 13 – 19 years Up to 140 mg/dL, Normal blood sugar level -2 hours after eating 
• > 20 years < 180 mg/dL, Normal blood sugar level -2 hours after eating 
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For pregnant and non-pregnant women of the same age, the normal blood sugar levels vary. The recommended blood sugar levels for diabetic pregnant women are 
 

• Fasting 70 – 89 mg/dL, Normal Blood Glucose Level 
• Before meals 89 mg/dL, Normal Blood Glucose Level 
• 1-2 hours after meals < 120 mg/dL, Normal Blood Glucose Level 
• Bedtime 100 – 140 mg/dL, Normal Blood Glucose Level