Gluocometer

Impaired Glucose Tolerance

What are Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Impaired Fasting Glycaemia?

These are conditions, sometimes also called 'Pre-Diabetes' in which the body is unable to process glucose (sugar) normally. They can only be diagnosed after a Glucose Tolerance Test. People with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and Impaired Fasting Glycaemia (IFG) have a higher than average chance of going on to develop diabetes. In addition, Impaired Glucose Tolerance is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.

What to do if you have Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Impaired Fasting Glycaemia

If you have IGT or IFG you will be advised to follow a healthy diet, to keep your weight under control, to take regular exercise and if you are a smoker, to stop smoking. Ideally you should also have a blood test every year to measure your fasting blood glucose (sugar), to make sure that you have not developed diabetes. Ask your GP or Practice Nurse to arrange for you to have this done.

Your food choice is the most important part of your treatment. If you are overweight, losing weight will help. You should aim to lose weight slowly over time rather than drastic dieting. Even if you don't manage to get to your ideal weight, losing a small amount and keeping it off will help you.

Try being more active too as this will not only help control your weight but will also reduce risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Do some activities you enjoy such as gardening, walking, dancing, bowling - even housework is good!

Eat regularly

  • Have three main meals a day, i.e. breakfast, lunch and evening meal.
  • Fill up on fibre rich and starchy (carbohydrate) foods

Eat regular meals based on foods such as bread, pasta, chapattis, potatoes, rice and cereals. This will help control your blood glucose levels.

  • Choose high fibre varieties of these foods like wholemeal bread and wholewheat cereals.
  • Make these foods the main part of every meal.
  • Add lentils, beans, split peas or broth mix to home-made soups or stews.

Eat less sugar

  • Sugar and foods containing a lot of sugar can cause the blood glucose to rise quickly.
  • It is best to choose low sugar or sugar-free foods instead.