Treatment options for glucose intolerance are fairly limited, but effective when taken seriously. Find out how you can fight it by bringing about some changes in your lifestyle.
Glucose intolerance is a condition that affects many people. It involves lowering of the level of insulin secreted by the pancreas, resulting in increase in the level of glucose in the body, which, in turn, leads to less production of energy in the body. While it is a serious condition that can sometimes lead to other complications like type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular problems, it is relatively easy to keep this condition under control. This article has some effective ways to help you keep your glucose level in check.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
Treating Glucose Intolerance
Glucose intolerance, once set in, cannot be ‘cured’ completely. Since it is not a disease, there’s no way to completely eradicate the condition. One can definitely take precautionary measures to keep a check on the sugar (carbohydrates) intake and in turn, control the level of glucose in the body. The most common symptoms that manifest are frequent urination, constant hunger and thirst, lack of concentration, rapid loss or gain of weight, anxiety, excitable behavior, etc.
If you think that you exhibit these symptoms and if you have a family history of variation in blood glucose levels, then it would be advisable to test yourself. You can cope with this condition by taking some simple steps to alter your current lifestyle. The most effective ones are given below.
A major change that you need to make in your lifestyle, if you want to keep your blood sugar level at par with normal standards is to begin and maintain a proper diet. Your diet is one of the major contributors to the high level of glucose in your blood stream. Because of the intake of sugar-rich foods, your blood receives excess sugar. Foodstuffs that contain high levels of dietary fiber are one of the most important additions that should be made to your diet. This will help to make proper use of the energy in the body by slowing down the rate of metabolism.
Another category of foods that should be included is foods with a low cholesterol level. High cholesterol is also a reason for the inability to use energy in the body and the high level of glucose in the blood. Hence, consuming low-cholesterol foodstuffs will have a counter-effect and help to keep the glucose level in control. Carbohydrates and fats are nutrients that need to be avoided as much as possible.
It is a fact that foods containing carbs and fats are more pleasing to the palate, and hence difficult to let go of. But they can prove to be extremely detrimental to people who are glucose intolerant because they are counter-productive as far as the level of blood sugar is concerned. In order to follow this stringent diet strategy, begin by completely stopping the intake of processed foods as they have high level of fats and carbohydrates in them. Stick to a healthy diet plan and you will definitely see the difference in your glucose level.
Exercise is one thing that is recommended for any ailment. Glucose intolerance is no different. One of the causes of impaired glucose tolerance is the weight of the person. It is often seen that obese people have a greater risk of falling prey to this condition. Hence, if you are overweight, the first step towards a healthy life with lesser fluctuations in your blood sugar level, is to make a commitment to exercise regularly. If you have a sedentary job, then make it a point to involve yourself in an exercise routine for at least an hour, daily.
With strenuous physical exercise, the blood pumps faster and more energy is used. This, along with a proper diet, will help your blood control the glucose level and produce more energy for the body. If you have absolutely no physical exercise in your daily life, then begin slowly. Begin with a simple 15 minute workout and work your way to a longer one, say a half an hour workout after a week or so. Gradually increase this to a full hour of rigorous exercise on a daily basis. Carefully plan the time and the exercises to suit your body and its needs and requirements. Don’t overwork yourself in the beginning. Take it slow and easy and you’ll see the results.
As far as medication is concerned, a physician can prescribe you drugs of four types.
- The first type is something that will accelerate the discharge of insulin from the pancreas. This will help by increasing the insulin level in the blood, which will control the glucose level by default.
- There are some people who may be glucose intolerant because their body rejects insulin. The second type of drug will help your body fight this resistance to insulin and let it get absorbed into the blood stream. This will keep the glucose level in check.
- The third type of drugs that you may be administered are the ones that will help to bring down the rate of digestion and metabolism of your body. By doing this, the absorption of glucose also gets inhibited.
- The fourth type of drugs will suppress DPP-4, the enzyme which does not allow the incretin hormones to be released.
Before undertaking any of the treatment options mentioned above, you should make sure that you have actually been diagnosed with the condition. Do not take any treatment without medical advice and supervision. Once you begin a treatment plan, make sure that you stick to it. The treatment for glucose intolerance is a continuous process. So take it seriously if you want to lead a healthy life, without worrying about undulations in your blood sugar level.