Postmeal

Postmeal is an adjective and adverb used to describe events, states, or measurements that occur after a meal. It is common in nutritional science, medicine, and lay language. The term is closely related to postprandial, with postprandial serving as the more formal term in clinical contexts.

In physiology, the postmeal period begins after gastric emptying and the start of nutrient absorption. Blood glucose typically rises within 10 to 60 minutes, triggering secretion of insulin and incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP. The postmeal period also involves changes in lipid handling and gut hormone signaling, which influence fullness, appetite, and energy storage. The duration of the postmeal phase varies, but many postprandial changes subside within two to four hours in healthy individuals.

Clinical relevance: In diabetes management, postmeal glucose control is important, and tests commonly report glucose levels 1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal or after the meal's completion. Targets vary by guidelines and individual factors. Diet size and composition, timing of physical activity, and fiber intake can markedly affect postmeal responses.

Other uses: The term is also used in nutrition and dentistry to describe postmeal care or interventions, such as postmeal oral hygiene or recommendations to limit certain beverages after meals. Etymology: from post- meaning after, and meal.