Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial)

The Glucose Postprandial Test measures glucose levels in the urine after a period of 2 hours from the start of the last meal. 

Glucose is a simple sugar or monosaccharide which is the main source of energy for all the cells of the body. It is important to know that glucose is the only energy source for the nervous system. Carbohydrates consumed in the diet are broken down into their simplest form called glucose, which is absorbed by the intestines and transported by the blood to various organs. It is subsequently utilized by cells of these organs to produce energy wherever necessary. The quantity in excess is stored either as glycogen in the liver for short-term storage or in fat tissues as triglycerides for long-term storage. The uptake, utilization, and storage of glucose after it is absorbed in the intestines is facilitated by the hormone insulin secreted by the pancreas. Insulin guides the transport of glucose to the organs requiring it (e.g., heart, brain, working muscles, etc.). Insulin also directs the storage of excess glucose. The action of insulin reduces sugar levels in the blood.

After every meal, sugar levels increase in the blood and insulin is secreted as a response to reduce the sugar levels until it becomes normal. If glucose levels fall too low in blood, another pancreatic hormone called glucagon is released. Glucagon directs the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the blood. The insulin and glucagon hormones create a feedback mechanism to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Imbalance in their activity can cause high or low blood sugar levels in the blood.

The kidney filters the blood to form urine. Normally, urine has little or no glucose. In case of very high glucose level, glycosuria or high level of glucose in the urine is noted. The test results help to monitor insulin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus.