Meal Timings and PPS Management
October 20, 2022
All You Need To Know About Normal 2-Hour Postprandial Blood Sugar
October 20, 2022
Metabolic syndrome refers to a grouping of conditions that tend to occur together. Typically, the term is used to describe the presence of at least three out of five conditions. These include abdominal obesity, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), elevated triglyceride (TG), high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose levels. The relationship between high blood pressure and diabetes is particularly strong as data shows that diabetes patients are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than the general population. At the same time, individuals with high blood pressure also face a higher risk of diabetes.
The relationship between high blood pressure and blood sugar levels is concerning, as metabolic syndrome is a known risk factor for morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. The coexistence of high blood pressure and diabetes raises this risk by 2 to 3 times the average. One of the best ways to gauge and monitor this risk is through monitoring postprandial sugar levels (PPS), which are now regarded as a reliable indicator of cardiovascular risk.
PPS As A Risk Factor For High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease
Postprandial spikes of high glucose levels are now regarded as a more reliable way to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, as compared to using average glucose levels or HbA1c levels. Using PPS as a predictor for the risk of cardiovascular disease can also be applied to individuals without diabetes, as the levels of postprandial blood glucose are shown to independently verify risk. Within the non-diabetic glucose range too, individuals who have the highest PPS levels have a 27 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease as compared to those with lower PPS.
Some research suggests that post prandial blood sugar levels may be particularly useful for women with diabetes, as it has been shown to have greater predictive power in women.
Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar: Why Do They Affect Each Other?
There are a number of ways in which blood sugar levels and blood pressure affect each other. Episodes of high PPS increase oxidative stress, which has a cascading effect through the body. For example, it activates immune cells and keeps the vasculature in a constant state of higher or elevated risk of cardiovascular events.
Insulin resistance is the main feature of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, with insulin resistance often leading to hyperinsulinemia – a condition of elevated insulin levels. This is thought to affect blood pressure because of resistance from insulin’s hemodynamic properties. As this impairs peripheral blood flow, it can increase renal sodium retention and directly causes a rise in blood pressure.
What Is Considered High? Blood Pressure & Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels
Postprandial blood sugar readings will vary depending on how soon after a meal the test is done. In general, if done soon after a meal, non-diabetics would be in the range of 170 – 200 mg/dl, prediabetics in the range of 190 – 230 mg/dl, and anything above 230 would be indicative of diabetes. Readings that are above the postprandial blood sugar normal range should be considered as high and must be dealt with to lower the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. If the test is done at least 2 hours after a meal, any reading below 140 mg/dl is considered normal and anything over is considered high.
When it comes to blood pressure, the readings are again fairly clear. Any reading under 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal. However, individuals with a reading between 120/80 mm Hg and 139/89 mm Hg should work to lower PPS and blood pressure as they are at high risk of developing high blood pressure. If a blood pressure reading is over 140/90 mm, the individual already has high blood pressure.
No matter what your current health status may be, regular monitoring of postprandial sugar and blood pressure can help with early detection of any anomaly, allowing for more effective preventive action.
How Can You Deal With High PPS Or Blood Pressure?
Blood sugar control should be your first goal in controlling blood pressure linked to high PPS. Glucose lowering treatments have been shown to help with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but treatment alone will not suffice. The reductions in PPS and blood pressure must be prolonged for significant benefits. This means that in addition to seeking treatment, it is also vital to make significant dietary and lifestyle changes to lower the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
As a basic rule, cut back or limit your intake of foods that contain salt or saturated fats. This means avoiding most processed foods, fried foods, and red meats. At the same time, adopt a low salt diet with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, legumes, whole grains, seafood, poultry, and nuts and seeds. The simplest way to achieve dietary control would be by adopting the DASH diet, which is proven to help fight hypertension. Make it a point to stay physically active, while avoiding smoking and excessive drinking.
