Glucose Intolerance Condition & Symptoms

Glucose intolerance (also known as pre-diabetes) is a condition that can be experienced without any symptoms at all, or it can have several. Skin rashes, Athlete's feet, sexual problems and blurred vision are some possible symptoms of this pre-diabetic condition.

Glucose Intolerance Defined

• After eating a meal, our food is digested and glucose is sent into our bloodstream to provide energy to different cells within our bodies. However, some individuals have less efficient glucose transporting systems than others, resulting in energy not making it to body cells as needed. If the glucose does make it into the cell, sometimes the glucose molecules aren't able to provide all of the energy that the cell needs. This is known as glucose intolerance and it is considered a pre-diabetic condition.

Glucose Tolerance Testing

• A glucose tolerance test or an eight-hour blood fast test can be performed to determine if an individual has glucose intolerance---and how severe it is if she does have it. This test, coupled with any symptoms being experienced, can aid doctors in diagnosing the condition.

Glucose Intolerance Range

• According to the online website Health Central.com, an eight-hour blood fast test that results in a score between 100 to 126 mg/dL would indicate intolerance for glucose. But this particular range would be too low to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes, according to Health Central.

  The Mayo Clinic differs about the range for glucose intolerance. According to the clinic, a blood sugar level between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL is indicative of glucose intolerance, and anything under 140 mg/dL is considered normal.

  According to Health Central, an individual with pre-diabetes (glucose intolerance) is at a greater risk for incurring full-blown diabetes later on.

Symptoms

• Glucose intolerance symptoms are considered mild and are similar to those experienced by Type 2 diabetics, according to the online website Cure Research.com. These symptoms include absent periods, blurred vision, Candida (a fungal infection), and numbness or tingling in the extremities (i.e., feet, hands).

Skin and Sexual Symptoms

• In addition, numerous skin symptoms can also be experienced. These include acne, Athlete's foot, rashes, infections, dry and itchy skin, flaky skin, skin ulcers, and an inability for skin to heal.

  Sexually, women could experience vaginal dryness, while men might experience erectile failure. Women who are glucose intolerant may also suffer from premature menopause or urinary tract infections.

Other Symptoms

• Excessive hunger, thirst or urination are some severe symptoms that might be experienced due to glucose intolerance, as is weight gain or loss. Muscle cramps, pain and weakness can also be experienced. Glucose intolerance in children might result in bed wetting.