Impaired glucose tolerance: Take control!

Even if you have IGT, a proper diet and regular exercise regime can dramatically reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

What to do if you have IGT
You may be at risk of developing diabetes, but the good news is, it's not too late to control your blood sugar levels for the long term. Studies have shown that people with IGT can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by up to 58% by losing weight and exercising regularly.

Some experts recommend that people with IGT should reduce their weight (gradually, with a healthy diet) by five to ten percent and exercise (even moderately) for thirty minutes daily. Just losing 10 to 15 pounds can make a real difference. Taking these measures now can help return blood glucose levels to a normal range.

If you have IGT, your doctor will probably advise you to follow a balanced diet, control your weight, exercise regularly, and if you smoke, to stop smoking. You should also have a blood test every year to measure your fasting blood glucose levels, to make sure you have not developed diabetes. You should also have regular blood pressure and cholesterol tests to assess your risk of developing heart disease.

While some medications may delay the development of type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise are more effective, according to a large study conducted by the American Diabetes Association. Just thirty minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% decrease in body weight, resulted in a 58% decrease in the development of diabetes.

The most important part of managing IGT is through your diet. And if you're overweight, losing excess pounds will help. Keep in mind that losing weight slowly (about one pound per week) instead of using fad or drastic diets will help you keep the weight off. Being more physically active will help you control your weight and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. You don't need to be a super endurance athlete to control your weight; enjoy activities such as walking, gardening and dancing, and see where it takes you!

If you think you may be at risk for diabetes, consult your physician.

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