Impaired Glucose Tolerance

We often hear people say that we require food to gain energy and we often wonder how food is converted into energy. Food is converted into a sugar (glucose). This glucose is transported to cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. However, in some cases abnormal functioning of this hormone insulin leads to a condition known as impaired glucose tolerance, which can later turn into diabetes.

IGT Causes

Glucose intolerance is a condition that is caused when the body fails to produce insulin which helps in converting glucose into energy. Secondly, the condition can also be caused when the insulin formed in the body does not carry out its function properly. The cause of type 2 diabetes is similar. Therefore, the condition is known are pre-diabetes. The exact cause of the condition is unknown; however, certain factors like obesity and hypertension are believed to be some of the risk factors for the same.

Signs and Symptoms

Most of the glucose intolerance symptoms are found to be similar to the symptoms of diabetes. If any of the following symptoms are observed, one should undertake checkup for the diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance. Let us take a look at the symptoms of this condition in detail.

• Frequent thirst
• Frequent urination
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Excessive hunger
• Bloating
• Weakness in legs after heavy meals
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain
• Blurred vision
• Frequent muscle cramps
• Dark patches on skin with itching and rashes

It should be noted that along with type 2 diabetes, long-term suffering from IGT may also lead to several other disorders like kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy, blindness, peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, disability, etc. Glucose intolerance can lead to death and hence, it is essential to get the condition diagnosed and treated at the earliest.

Treating IGT

It is essential to get this condition diagnosed quickly so as to prevent its progression to diabetes. The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is one of the most popular and useful tests that helps in the diagnosis of this condition. On diagnosis, the doctor may advise a person to undergo changes in diet and lifestyle for the prevention of severe ailments associated with IGT. The person will be advised to follow a healthy diet and maintain healthy weight. Secondly, one is also advised to exercise regularly as exercise is also helpful in maintaining healthy weight and keeping fit.

The doctor will also prescribe a diet in order to bring the condition under control. The glucose intolerance diet consists of foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates as they get digested slowly and hence, do not affect blood sugar level. At the same time, other foodstuffs like fruits and vegetables, sea food, fish, lean cuts of chicken and meat, etc. can also be safely consumed as a part of this diet as these foods neither affect the blood sugar level, nor contribute to weight gain.

Unfortunately, there are no prevention methods for impaired glucose tolerance as the exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, if one follows the diet and exercise regime properly and keeps obesity and hypertension under check, there are chances of maintaining a long and healthy life. So, in case you observe any of these symptoms, you should consult the doctor immediately. Take care!