Impaired glucose tolerance is a pre-diabetic state and is linked to insulin resistance. In general, impaired glucose precedes diabetes mellitus type 2. Insulin resistance develops when insulin loses its effectiveness to keep blood glucose level in the normal range.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance Test
There are 2 kinds of glucose intolerance tests: the Oral Test and the Intravenous Test.
In case of the oral test, you must not eat / drink anything between midnight and the time of the test. For the test, you will be given a liquid containing glucose, to drink. A blood sample is collected before you drink, and after every 30-60 minutes.
For the intravenous test, glucose is administered in the vein for 3 minutes. Serum insulin levels are measured before administering, and 1 and 3 minutes after.
Signs And Symptoms Of Pre Diabetes
These are the symptoms for impaired glucose tolerance:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive hunger
- Frequent urination
- Inability to digest certain kinds of sugars
- Exhaustion
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Abdominal distention
- Weight loss / weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Polycystic ovaries
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Premature menopause, breast cancer.
Treatment For Impaired Glucose Tolerance
- Managing impaired glucose tolerance call for a lifestyle modification. You need to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious, wholesome diet, regular exercise and optimal stress management.
- Your endocrinologist will treat you for elevated levels of fasting serum glucose, elevated levels of post-prandial glucose or elevated glycosylated hemoglobin level.
- Additionally, you need to consult a cardiologist and a nutritionist for a comprehensive plan.