Targeting Plasma Glucose: Preprandial Versus Postprandial

Abstract

IN BRIEF

Considering there are potentially seven points within a 24-hour glucose profile (pre-meals, post-meals, and at bedtime), the question of which of these values to target is important to both patients and busy practitioners. Appropriate targeting of plasma glucose may lead to less expense and less unnecessary testing for patients and may help patients and practitioners achieve glucose goals more expeditiously. This article suggests that targeting fasting plasma glucose is more beneficial when hemoglobin A_1c (A1C) results are very high, whereas targeting postprandial glucose is more effective when A1C results are lower.