Are you glucose intolerant?
We have all heard about the rise of diabetes, but a related disease called impaired glucoe tolenrance (IGT) has not 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," says Dr Guaden Galea, a public health physician at the regional office of the World Health Organisation in Manila.Here is 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 stroke, and who have high blood pressure. "Being Asian, male and older increases the risk," says Paul Zimmet, director of the International Diabetes Institute. Diagnogsis: 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 two hours later. "someone with IGT will get higher levels of glucose over a longer period," says Galea. Treatment: While IGT cannot 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 helpslow IGT's development into diabetes. If you think you are at risk for IGT, ask your doctor about having a glucose tolerance test.
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