premeal

Premeal is an adjective and sometimes a noun used to describe anything occurring before a meal. In nutrition, pharmacology, and medical guidance, the term signals timing relative to eating. The equivalent formal term in some guidelines is preprandial, often written as one word.

In diabetes care, premeal is frequently used to describe measurements and actions taken before eating. A premeal blood glucose reading refers to glucose levels checked prior to a meal, with targets that are individualized but commonly around 80-130 mg/dL (approximately 4.4-7.2 mmol/L). Premeal values help guide insulin dosing and dietary adjustments.

Premeal insulin dosing is another common usage. Rapid-acting insulin analogs are typically administered shortly before meals (often 0 to 15 minutes prior) to align insulin activity with the expected rise in blood glucose after eating. The exact timing depends on the insulin product, eating pattern, and individual factors, and some patients adjust timing to minimize postprandial glucose excursions.

Outside of diabetes management, premeal can describe any preplanned action related to a meal, such as premeal snacks designed to influence satiety or glycemic response, or medications and supplements that are recommended to be taken before eating. The term emphasizes the importance of timing in relation to food for dietary planning, pharmacotherapy, and monitoring.

See also: preprandial, postprandial.