What Is Glucose Intolerance?

Glucose intolerance is the term for someone who is pre-diabetic. According to the American Diabetes Association, the majority of people suffering from type 2 diabetes begin as pre-diabetics -- meaning their glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to consider them diabetic. Other terms used for glucose intolerance include impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. The American Diabetes Association no longer uses the terms IGT or IFG, but some doctors still use them. Fortunately, with proper care glucose intolerance does not have to develop into type 2 diabetes.

Glucose intolerance often develops into type II diabetes

Background

Glucose is sugar your body makes by breaking down carbohydrates. After it's produced, glucose enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the cells in your body. Your pancreas simultaneously produces insulin, which allows glucose to enter the cells. When someone is glucose intolerant, his body doesn't recognize the insulin he produces. This causes glucose to remain in the bloodstream instead of entering the cells and results in high blood sugar levels.

Tests

The most common test for glucose intolerance is the glycated hemaglobin test (AC1). This test measures a person's average blood sugar level over a two- to three-month period. Unfortunately the test does not work for pregnant women or for anyone with an uncommon type of hemoglobin. If you're concerned about your blood sugar and you fall into either category, ask your health care provider to recommend other types of testing. The Mayo Clinic recommends glucose testing for anyone who is overweight or has a family history of type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors that put a person at a higher risk for glucose intolerance. According to the University of Michigan Health System, the main factor is being overweight. The university recommends glucose testing for anyone who is overweight and has one of the following risk factors: physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or family history of diabetes. Women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome or men and women with vascular disease are also at a higher risk, as are certain ethnic groups such as African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics and Native-Americans.

Diet

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are certain steps a pre-diabetic can take to avoid becoming a diabetic. The most important step is often a change in diet. Pre-diabetics are generally advised to follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Your healthcare provider may recommend you reduce your daily caloric intake as well. If you suffer from glucose-intolerance, consult with a dietician who can devise a diet that's appropriate for you.

Exercise

Exercise is vital for preventing glucose intolerance from developing into diabetes for two reasons. First of all exercise results in weight loss. Being overweight is a major risk factor for diabetes so exercise can help you avoid becoming overweight. Secondly, according to the University of Michigan, exercise allows you to better utilize the insulin your body produces which keeps glucose levels in check. The Mayo Clinic recommends 30 to 60 minutes of exercise five times per week.