What is glucose intolerance?

Glucose intolerance is an umbrella term for a group of metabolic conditions that results in higher
than normal blood glucose level hyperglycemia.
The major categories of the disorders of glycemia or glucose tolerance are as follows:
1. Type 1 diabetes mellitus(DM) (due to autoimmune B B-cell
cell destruction usually leading to
absolute insulin deficiency)
2. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (due to progressive loss of BB-cell
cell insulin secretion frequently on
the background of insulin resistance)
3. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester
of pregnancy thatt was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation)
4. Specific types of diabetes due to other causes (such as neonatal
neonatal-relating
relating to or affecting
the new born, diabetes and maturity onset diabetes of the young, diseases of the exocrine
pancreas and drug-or chemical
emical-induced diabetes)
5. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT: prediabetes/intermediate hyperglycemia)
6. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG: prediabetes /intermediate hyperglycemia)
According to WHO’ss definitions of IFG and IGT, glucose intolerance is defined as;
 A fasting
asting blood glucose lev
level of above 6.0mmol/L
 A blood glucose level of over 7.8mmol/L 2 hours after consuming 75g of glucose. glucose

GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE

Symptoms of glucose intolerance

intolerance:
The symptoms of glucose intolerance match those of type 2 diabetes
 Feeling very thirsty
 Dry mouth
 Extreme blindness
 Blurred vision
 Drowsiness
 Frequent need to urinate
 Loss of muscle mass
 Abdominal pain
 Headaches
 Depression
 Diarrhea, constipation
 Bloating
 Feeling tired
 Skin problems
 Unexplained weight loss
The NHS states that not everyone will get these symptoms and symptoms may not be
severe.
Causes of Glucose Intolerance:

An immune-mediated cause of impaired glucose intolerance includes stiff person

syndrome and anti-insulin receptor abnormalities. Other causes of glucose intolerance
are liver diseases (as in cirrhosis-widespread disruption of normal liver structure by
fibrosis and formation of regenerative nodules that is caused by any of various
chronic progressive conditions affecting the liver) and renal failure.

Treatment of Glucose Intolerance:

Treatments for glucose intolerance will either require lifestyle changes or a

combination of lifestyle changes and anti-diabetic medication.
Lifestyle changes involve taking part in regular physical activities, aiming to lose
weight, if appropriate, and cutting down on smoking and alcohol as necessary.
If medication is advised most people will start on a drug, taken in tablet form, called
metformin.
Some people may need to take additional or alternative medication.

Effects on Women:

Women with IGT(impaired glucose tolerance) were at increased risk of;

 Rupture of membranes
 Preterm birth
 Developing type 2 diabetes
 High blood glucose in the fetus and low levels after birth
 Difficulties during labor and the need of cesarean delivery
 A high risk of vaginal tearing during birth and bleeding after birth

Hypoglycemia (high rates of blood glucose) during pregnancy exposes the baby to
following risks;
 High birth weight (over 4kg or 8 pounds and 13 ounces)
 Hypoglycemia at birth
 Jaundice at birth
 A dislocated shoulder or other complications at birth
 Premature birth due to high volumes of amniotic fluid
 A heart and/or lung effect

Glucose Intolerance Diet

The diet recommended by the NHS follows the general healthy eating advice. The
NHS recommends eating a balanced diet based on whole grain foods, rich in fruits
and vegetables and lower in sugar, salt and saturated fat.
Avoiding or significantly limiting the following foods can help moderate blood sugar
level:
 Sweetened beverages, including fruit juices, soda, and fountain drinks.
 Alcohol particularly beer and grain alcohol
 Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and yams
 Processed snacks and boxed foods
 Sugary sweet such as cup cake, ice cream etc
 Foods high in saturated fats, including chocolate, butter, and salt pork.