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.
