Final answer:
A good 2 hour postprandial blood sugar level is between 100-140 mg/100 ml, indicating normal glucose processing by the body. It contrasts with diabetics, where glucose levels may not normalize, reflecting intolerance. Insulin plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels
A good 2 hour postprandial blood sugar level is one that falls between 100-140 mg/100 ml (or 5.5-8.0 mmols/L). This range indicates that the individual's body has adequately processed the glucose from their meal and is functioning within normal parameters. If a person's blood glucose levels are within this range 1.5 hours after eating, it is likely that they have a normal response to glucose, which suggests that they do not have diabetes.
Glucose Tolerance and Diabetes Management
In the context of the glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose levels are first measured after 12-14 hours without food. Then, upon consuming oral glucose, blood glucose levels are monitored to assess the body's ability to regulate the sugar intake. For non-diabetics, the levels will rise but then fall back to the normal range quickly, thanks to the action of insulin. However, in individuals with diabetes, blood glucose levels may not return to normal even after 2.5 hours, which signifies intolerance to glucose.
Moreover, enzymes like insulin play a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. A failure in this control mechanism leads to hyperglycemia, indicative of diabetes, or hypoglycemia, where blood sugar levels are abnormally low.