Glucose, 2-hour postprandial (plasma)
This test measures your blood sugar level two hours after eating to check how your body processes glucose.
["Helps assess how well your body manages blood sugar after meals."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1520-6
- Short code
- Glucose 2h p 75 g Glc PO Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 2h p 75 g Glc PO Ur-mCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 70
- Ref high
- 100
- Critical range
- 50 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82947
- SNOMED
- 260395008
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have diabetes or are at risk for it, or if you need to monitor how well your current treatment (like medication or insulin) is working. It can also help diagnose conditions like reactive hypoglycemia or identify issues with how your pancreas produces insulin.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically fast overnight before this test. On the day of testing, you’ll eat a standard meal (usually containing about 500–750 calories) and then have blood drawn two hours later. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking to discuss with your healthcare provider.
How the Test Works
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using an enzymatic method to measure glucose concentration in your plasma.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges for healthy individuals. High levels may indicate poor glucose control, while low levels could suggest hypoglycemia or other metabolic issues. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Reference range
Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 8-12 hours required. Water is permitted. Avoid chewing gum and smoking before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormally high or low glucose levels after a meal can signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic disorders. This test helps track progression of diabetes, evaluate treatment effectiveness, or diagnose conditions like reactive hypoglycemia, where blood sugar drops too low shortly after eating.
Short name
2-Hour Blood Sugar (Post-Meal)
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
What should I do if I take diabetes medication or insulin?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy