Abstract
BACKGROUND:
To know the relationships between pre- and postprandial blood glucose (BG), i.e. BG profile shape, is a requisite for an appropriate therapy for type 2 diabetic patients. In non diabetic subjects, pre-breakfast, pre-lunch and pre-dinner BG are similar, so that BG postprandial excursions are superimposed on a stable BG preprandial baseline. We aimed to clarify: (a) whether BG preprandial baseline is stable also in type 2 diabetes and (b) whether fasting BG (FBG) influences the slope of BG preprandial baseline and the relationships between pre- and postprandial BG.
CONCLUSION:
In type 2 diabetes, the shape of BG profiles changes in relation to FBG, because it deeply influences the slope of BG preprandial baseline on which postprandial excursions are superimposed. Thus, before planning treatment policies, not only the extent of fasting and postprandial hyperglycaemia, but also the shape of profiles should be considered, to safely correct hyperglycaemia without inducing hypoglycaemia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11895469
I learnt in quality control early on in my engineering career that for data to make sense you need a base line or datum point.
I personally use fbg as that base line and that helps me to compare subsequent tests during the day with what I started ou with in the morning.
And of course don't forget that very powerful force Idle Curiosity.