Are You Glucose Intolerant?

We’ve all heard about the rise of diabetes, but a related disease called impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) hasn’t received much recognition. IGT sufferers have a reduced ability to regulate sugar levels in their blood. It’s the same problem as diabetes but in a milder form. Here’s what you need to know:

• Risk factors – IGT is common among those who are overweight, who have family members with diabetes, who have history of heart disease and / or store, and who have high blood pressure.

• Diagnosis – It is diagnosed with an oral glucose tolerance test. A person fasts, then is given a drink containing 75 grams of glucose. Blood sugar Is measured tow hours later. Someone with IGT will get higher levels of glucose over a longer period.

• Treatment – While IGT can not be treated directly, people with IGT are encouraged to increase their level of physical activity, achieve a healthy weight and follow a healthy, balanced diet. Drugs can help slow IGT’s development into diabetes.

If you think you are risk for IGT, ask your doctor about having a glucose tolerance test.