Post Prandial Hyperglycemia
What is Post Prandial Hyperglycemia?
Postprandial hyperglycemia is a condition where the body has too much glucose, or sugar, in the blood after eating. It is also sometimes referred to as postmeal hyperglycemia, postprandial glucose or PPG. A normal postmeal glucose level should be under 140 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) two hours after eating. Glucose levels over 140 mg/dL, two hours after meal, point to postprandial hyperglycemia.
Causes
Postprandial hyperglycemia is caused by a combination of factors, including poor glycemic control, an overly large meal or excessive carbohydrates in the meal. People who are overweight and have diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are at risk for developing postprandial hyperglycemia. This is often due to their bodies producing too much insulin or their bodies having a resistance to insulin.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of postprandial hyperglycemia is increased thirst due to the high glucose level in the blood. Other common symptoms include frequent urination, fatigue, nausea and headaches. People may also have mood swings and blurred vision.
Treatment
The best way to treat postprandial hyperglycemia is to make lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Cutting back on carbohydrates and sweets helps to lower the blood sugar level as does getting 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Medications are also prescribed to help lower the blood glucose levels such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics.
- Eat smaller portions at meal times
- Reduce the amount of carbohydrates in the diet
- Get 30 minutes of physical activity a day
- Drink plenty of water
- Monitor your blood glucose levels
- Consider medications if necessary