Impaired glucose tolerance means that blood glucose is raised beyond normal levels, but not high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis.

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With impaired glucose tolerance you face a much greater risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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Treating impaired glucose tolerance may help to prevent diabetes development and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is a key way of treating impaired glucose tolerance. Other ways to lower the risk include losing weight if you are overweight, and also taking regular physical exercise. 

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What is a normal blood glucose level?

Blood glucose levels are the amount of glucose in the blood, and normal blood glucose levels range  from between 4-8 mmol/L. Blood glucose levels are often higher after eating and lower first thing in the morning.

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How often does impaired glucose tolerance develop into diabetes?

1-3 out of every 4 people with impaired glucose tolerance will develop diabetes within a decade.

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What else does impaired glucose tolerance leave you at risk of?

People with impaired glucose tolerance face a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, being overweight or obese. 

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What defines having impaired glucose tolerance?

The WHO (World Health Organisation) indicates that impaired glucose tolerance may be present if people have:

• Blood glucose of 7.8 mmol/L or more but less than 11.1mmol/L after a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test OGTT. 

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How common is impaired glucose tolerance?

Because there are no symptoms of impaired glucose tolerance, many people have the condition and are unaware of it. However, there’s an estimate that 10% of the population suffers from this condition.

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