2-hour postprandial blood glucose test

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2-hour postprandial blood glucose test

A 2-hour postprandial blood sugar (glucose) test measures the blood sugar exactly 2 hours after eating a meal. Blood sugar tests may be used to check for diabetes and to see how treatment for diabetes is working.

Normally, before age 50, blood sugar levels should rise no higher than 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) 2 hours after eating a meal. Healthy adults increase their blood sugar levels by 10 mg/dL for every 10 years of life after age 50. For example, at age 60, the blood sugar level should be less than 150 mg/dL; at age 70, it should be less than 160 mg/dL.

Diabetes may be diagnosed if the 2-hour postprandial blood sugar level is higher than normal for a person's age. This is true especially if the test on two different days gives the same results and the person has symptoms of diabetes.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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