Glucose and fructose intolerance are conditions that are characterized by the inability to properly metabolize sugar. Glucose intolerance, or impaired glucose tolerance, affects 10 to 15 percent of adults in the United States, the American Family Physician says. Glucose intolerance has been associated with type 2 diabetes. Fructose intolerance occurs when you lack the protein needed to break down fructose, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, says. Regulating your diet helps to prevent adverse effects due to both conditions.
Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes
People who suffer from glucose intolerance have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to people who do not have this condition, the American Family Physician notes. This is because your body is unable to properly metabolize glucose, causing your glucose levels to remain between 140 and 199 milligrams per deciliter of blood even after two hours of fasting. Glucose intolerance can develop into type 2 diabetes if left untreated. People with this condition often have to lose 5 percent to 7 percent of their body weight and engage in moderate physical activity for about 150 minutes each week. Medication such as metformin is sometimes used to help control blood sugar levels.
Fructose Intolerance
Fructose intolerance is a condition that occurs as commonly as 1 in 20,000 people in Europe, MedlinePlus notes. People who are fructose intolerant lack aldolase B, an enzyme needed to digest fructose. Children of fructose intolerant parents have a 25 percent chance of inheriting the condition if both parents are fructose intolerant. Typical symptoms of fructose intolerance include excessive sleepiness, irritability, jaundice and vomiting.
Dietary and Lifestyle Considerations
Both glucose and fructose intolerance require changes to your diet. A possible diet for people with glucose intolerance is one rich in foods such as vegetables, whole grains and lean meat. Carbohydrates should not be more than 60 percent of their diet, the American Family Physician notes. It also recommends moderate-intensity physical activity such as brisk walking or biking for 150 minutes per week. Fructose intolerant people will need to avoid or at least limit their intake of fruits and fruit juices as well as, foods with high-fructose corn syrup like regular sodas.
Glucose Tolerance Test
The glucose tolerance test is designed to assess your body’s response to glucose and is sometimes used to screen for type 2 diabetes. The test involves drinking a glucose solution two hours before blood sugar levels are measured. A blood sugar level that is less than 140 milligrams per deciliters two hours after drinking the glucose solution is considered normal. Glucose tolerance is impaired when blood sugar levels remain between 140 and 199 milligrams per deciliters.
References
- American Family Physician; Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Impaired Fasting Glucose; Shobha S. Rao, et al.; April 2004
- Mayo Clinic; Fructose Intolerance: Which Foods Should I Avoid; Katherine Zeratsky; March 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Glucose Tolerance Test; August 2010
- MedlinePlus; Hereditary Fructose Intolerance; Chad Haldeman-Englert; May 2011
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