Insulin - Post Prandial Test

Insulin-Post Prandial is a medical condition where an erratic fluctuation in the blood sugar levels is observed post meal. The postprandial test is primarily used to diagnose the degree of insulin generation which directly indicates if someone needs attention with sugar. If the blood sugar levels are ignored or not kept in check, the aggregation might lead to severe health problems also including nerve and eye damage. As the meal is ingested, the blood glucose or blood sugar rises sharply while pancreas performs the response mechanism through discharge of insulin to direct the glucose to cells, muscles and tissues to be used as fuel.

Fasting within a duration of 12 hours prior to the test is advised followed by rich carbohydrate diet but not for pregnant women. The consumption must be limited to small meals. Resting prior to the test will help in keeping the sugar levels normal. Please confer about the history and undergoing treatment and medicines with your attendant and this majorly includes consumption of illicit drugs that are not prescribed by the physician.

The test is generally used to diagnose if a person is suffering from diabetes and if yes then at what level.

The test also concludes if a patient has insulin related disorders which include

Nausea
Blurred vision
Gradually recovering sores
Frequent Infections
Lack of activity and sluggish attitude.
Constant urination.
Degrading water levels in the body.

The test also proves beneficial to pregnant women as this serves as an indicator to gestational diabetes, a condition observed in pregnant women

A blood sample from the vein is required and a needle is used to draw blood in your arm. A tourniquet (Rubber Strap) is used to reduce the blood flow in the vein and aggregating the fluid. The needle must be sterilized. The needle used must neither be too hot nor too cold as it might lead to blood coagulation. The container tube should be properly placed in a tube holder. The tourniquet be released once sufficient sample is collected. Applying a bandage, gauze or a cotton pad in order to mitigate bleeding. Strenuous exercises following the activity are not advised. The sugar levels observed from vein might differ from those taken with a finger stick.