A plasma glucose test 1.5 hours after a meal (postprandial glucose test) measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood after eating. It helps assess how the body handles glucose intake from food and can be used to screen for diabetes or monitor how well blood glucose levels are being managed in people with known diabetes.

Regular monitoring of postprandial glucose levels can help identify individuals at risk for developing diabetes and can guide interventions to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. In individuals with diabetes, it helps in managing the condition by indicating how well blood sugar is controlled after meals.

The normal range for postprandial plasma glucose levels can vary slightly depending on the guidelines, but typically:

• Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
• Pre-diabetes: 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L)
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher.

Interpretation

• Normal Levels: If the plasma glucose level is less than 140 mg/dL 1.5 hours after eating, it usually indicates normal glucose metabolism.
• Elevated Levels (Pre-diabetes): Levels between 140 and 199 mg/dL suggest impaired glucose tolerance, which is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
• High Levels (Diabetes): A level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes. Confirmatory testing may be needed to diagnose diabetes definitively.

• Test Specimen: Blood
• Sample Type: Plasma (the liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells are removed)