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Insulin - Post Prandial

Also referred as

Post prandial insulin

Insulin test

Insulin resistance testing

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An Insulin - Post Prandial test measures the level of insulin in your blood after a meal, typically two hours after a meal. This test is done when symptoms like increased thirst or urination, appetite changes, weakness, weight changes, tingling or numbness in the hands or legs, etc. are experienced by an individual.

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Understanding Insulin - Post Prandial

Insulin hormone is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It helps the body cells to uptake glucose (blood sugar) from the blood for the production of energy. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body cells and remains in the blood instead. In insulin’s absence, your blood glucose rises to dangerously high levels and may eventually lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic coma. Therefore, it is necessary for survival to maintain your insulin levels.

An Insulin - Post Prandial test is usually advised following a low blood glucose test result and/or when someone has symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), such as profuse sweating, nervousness or anxiety, irritability, confusion, dizziness, hunger, fast heartbeat, etc. This test can also be used to detect the presence of an insulin-producing tumor in the islet cells of the pancreas (insulinoma).

It is advised to eat a standard meal that is not high in sugar or carbohydrates two hours before taking an Insulin-PP test. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medications that you take, as some of them may affect your insulin levels and need to be adjusted before the test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What does Insulin - Post Prandial measure?

An Insulin - Post Prandial test evaluates the amount of insulin in your blood, particularly 2 hours after having food, which helps in regulating glucose levels.

Normally after eating, the stomach digests the food, and glucose levels rise rapidly. In response to this, the pancreas releases insulin that helps in moving the glucose from the blood into the cells for the production of energy. If a person has diabetes, it means their body is unable to make sufficient insulin to keep blood sugar in check. This can lead to high sugar levels in the blood which can further cause serious health problems related to the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, etc. Ideally within two hours of having a meal, the insulin and blood glucose levels should return to normal. In case, the blood glucose still remains high, there are chances that the person might have diabetes.

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FAQs related to Insulin - Post Prandial

What other tests can be advised by the doctor along with an Insulin - Post Prandial test?

The other tests that can be advised along with an Insulin - Post Prandial test include fasting blood glucose test, HbA1c or glycosylated hemoglobin test, and glucose tolerance test.

What can cause high insulin levels in the blood?

High insulin levels in the blood may occur due to a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle, obesity, aging, a high carbohydrate diet, family history of diabetes, pregnancy, sleep-related problems, conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal problems like acromegaly or Cushing’s syndrome, habits like smoking, and due to the use of medicines like steroids, antipsychotics, and HIV medications.

What can cause low insulin levels in the blood?

Low levels of insulin may occur in the blood due to type 1 diabetes, hypopituitarism (low secretion of pituitary hormones), and pancreatic diseases like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.

What are the common symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia or very low levels of glucose in the blood can cause symptoms like sweating, nausea, weakness, palpitations, dizziness, hunger, trembling, confusion, irritability, anxiety, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, seizures, etc.

Does high insulin mean diabetes?

Hyperinsulinemia or a high level of insulin means the amount of insulin in the blood is higher than normal. On its own, hyperinsulinemia is not exactly diabetes; however, it is often associated with type 2 diabetes.

What do abnormal levels of an Insulin - Post Prandial test mean?

The increased levels of an Insulin - Post Prandial test are seen in cases of insulinoma, type 2 diabetics, infantile hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinism, obesity, Cushing’s syndrome, intake of oral contraceptives, acromegaly, and hyperthyroidism. Whereas, decreased levels of insulin post prandial are seen in cases of untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus.

What factors can affect the results of an Insulin-PP test?

Factors such as extreme stress, eating a snack or candy after a meal or before the test, heavy physical exercise, and habits like smoking can affect the results of an Insulin-PP test.

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Last Updated

22nd Oct 2025