2-Hour Postprandial Glucose (Serum)
This test measures your blood sugar level two hours after eating to check how your body processes glucose.
["Assesses how well your body manages blood sugar after meals."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6751-2
- Short code
- Glucose 2h p 75 g Glc PO Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Glucose 2h p 75 g Glc PO Ur Ql Strip
- 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
- Method
- test-strip
- 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 symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It can also help diagnose conditions like prediabetes or monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to fast for at least 8 hours before the test, but you can drink water. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as they may affect your results. If you’re pregnant, have diabetes, or have a history of eating disorders, let your doctor know.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure usually takes less than a minute. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Your results will help your doctor determine if your blood sugar levels are within a healthy range after eating. If your levels are consistently high, it may indicate diabetes or insulin resistance. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and may recommend lifestyle changes or further testing.
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.
A 2-hour postprandial glucose test is crucial for diagnosing diabetes and assessing how well your body handles glucose after meals. High levels may signal undiagnosed diabetes or poor metabolic control, while normal levels help confirm stable blood sugar management. This test is often part of a broader evaluation for prediabetes or diabetes risk assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What do my results mean if they’re higher than normal?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
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