Postprandial - Usages of The Term

Usages of The Term

This term is used in many contexts but also in relation to blood sugar (or blood glucose) levels, which are normally measured 2 hours after and before eating in a postprandial glucose test. For example, the American Diabetes Association recommends a postprandial glucose level under 180 mg/dl and a preprandial plasma glucose between 70-130 mg/dl. However, this is not the only context in which this term is used.

• Postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG) is high blood sugar following a meal. It can be evaluated in a postprandial glucose test.
• Postprandial dip is a mild decrease in blood sugar after eating a big meal.
• Postprandial hypotension is a drastic decline in blood pressure which happens after eating a meal.
• Postprandial regurgitation is a unique symptom of rumination syndrome.
• Postprandial thermogenesis is heat production due to metabolism after a meal, temporarily increasing the metabolic rate.
• Postprandial abdominal distension usually refers to bloating of the abdomen following a meal, especially a large one. It is generally harmless, but tends to be uncomfortable. Instances of its sudden onset or prolonged duration can, however, be symptoms of certain severe adverse gastro-intestinal conditions such as irritable bowel disease.
  Postprandial abdominal distension is also a documented side effect of some medications.