Glucose intolerance is also called syndrome X or insuline resistance syndrome. It is in fact the inability of the body’s cells to use insulin. Glucose intolerance manifests as a series of symptoms. Weight gain around the abdomen, fatigue and an elevated glycemic index are some of the signs that should be monitored.
1) Fatigue and drowsiness
Insulin is the hormone that regulates the metabolism, and allows the liver and muscle cells to transform the glucose present in the blood into energy that is used or stored. In the case of resistance to insulin, the cells find it more difficult to transform this sugar into energy, leading to intense fatigue.
2) Intense thirst
The organism rejects the excess sugar in the blood via more frequent urination, which leads to intense thirst and an increase in the volume of urine.
3) Insatiable cravings and weight loss
In the case of type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, causing a buildup of sugar in the blood. The cells can no longer produce energy, which leads to insatiable hunger. The body is thus incapable of storing or using the energy from the food it takes in, which leads to significant weight loss.
4) Weight gain around the abdomen
In the case of type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, which also manifests as insatiable hunger. However, the insulin in the body tends to store calories, leading to weight gain.
5) Blurred vision
Intolerance to glucose can cause too much sugar to build up in the blood, but given that it isn’t transformed into energy, the body tends to eliminate it via bodily fluids. The production of lacrymal liquid (tears) is thus increased, which causes blurred vision. Generally, this symptom is temporary and disappears when blood sugar levels go back to normal.
6) Slower healing and more frequent infections
Excessive blood sugar levels reduce the body’s ability to protect itself against infections. For example, women with diabetes are more vulnerable to vaginal infections.
7) Tingling in the fingers
When there is an excess of sugar in the bloodstream, the small blood vessels can be damaged, which is why people who suffer from this can feel tingling in their fingers and/or reduced sensation or a burning sensation in the hands and feet.
How can you check your blood sugar levels?
During your next GP visit, ask them to check your blood sugar levels or book yourself in directly for blood tests.
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