Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms Symptoms of Glucose Intolerance By Yvelette Stines linkedin Yvelette Stines, MS, MEd, is an author, writer, and communications specialist specializing in health and wellness. Learn about our editorial process Yvelette Stines Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Danielle Weiss, MD on April 03, 2021 linkedin Dr. Danielle Weiss is double board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology. She is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego and founder of the Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being. Learn about our Medical Review Board Danielle Weiss, MD Published on April 06, 2021 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Types Symptoms Risk Factors Glucose intolerance is an umbrella term for a group of metabolic conditions that result in higher than normal blood glucose levels This can be a strong factor for prediabetes and diabetes. Although there are no concrete symptoms of glucose intolerance, they strongly mirror the symptoms of prediabetes and diabetes. Some of these symptoms include thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent urination. It is important to check with your doctor to get the proper treatment and diagnosis. BakiBG / Getty Images Types of Glucose Intolerance When it comes to glucose intolerance, there are various types, including: Impaired fasting glucose Impaired glucose tolerance Intermediate hyperglycemia (also known as prediabetes) Type 2 diabetes Impaired Fasting Glucose Impaired fasting glucose is one of the stages of the natural progression of diabetes. The glucose levels of impaired fasting glucose are above normal and also below the level that would be considered an actual diagnosis of diabetes. Although the numbers are low for a diagnosis of diabetes, patients who have impaired fasting glucose are at a high risk of developing the disease. There is also an opportunity for prevention. Having a conversation and creating a plan with a healthcare professional will help reduce the risk. Glucose values for impaired fasting glucose are 100 to 125 mg per dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol per L). Impaired Glucose Tolerance Impaired glucose tolerance is known as an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Many individuals do not have symptoms for a long time. The diagnosis for impaired glucose tolerance is determined by an oral glucose tolerance test. There are many patients who do have impaired glucose tolerance and already have diabetes complications by the time they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It is important to share any symptoms that you feel with the doctor to get the proper treatment and/or preventive measures. Glucose values for impaired glucose tolerance are 140 to 199 mg per dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol) on the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Intermediate Hyperglycemia (Also Known as Prediabetes) This encompasses impaired fasting glucose and impaired tolerance. Prediabetes is known as blood glucose levels that are above normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three Americans have prediabetes, and more than 84% don’t know they have it. When an individual is at the prediabetic stage, the cells in the body do not properly respond to insulin. Because of this, the pancreas produces more insulin to help the cells respond. When this happens on a consistent basis, the pancreas has a hard time producing insulin and the blood sugar rises. This is the beginning of prediabetes; if it is not managed or prevented, it can lead to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes If prediabetes is not managed, it can become a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. When an individual has type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin. The diagnosis can also lead to a number of other health complications, such as: Kidney disease Vision loss Heart disease It is important to work with the doctor to learn about prevention in the prediabetic stage. If there is a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, follow a treatment plan with the doctor to manage it properly. Symptoms Glucose intolerance does not have clear symptoms, but some individuals could have the same signs as patients with diabetes. These include: Constant thirst Fatigue Blurred vision Frequent need to urinate Neuropathy Loss of muscle mass Risk Factors Glucose intolerance is often asymptomatic, so knowing whether or not you have risk factors is important to reach an early diagnosis. The risk factors include: Age Obesity Diet Genetics Lifestyle A Word From Verywell If you have symptoms of glucose intolerance, it is important to have a conversation with your doctor. They can help guide you in the right direction and create a proper plan so you can manage your condition and have a healthy outcome. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! We know healthy eating is key to help manage diabetes, but that doesn't make it easy. Our free nutrition guide is here to help. Sign up and receive your free copy! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Di Bonito P, Pacifico L, Chiesa C, et al. Impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. J Endocrinol Invest. 2017;40(4):409-416. doi:10.1007/s40618-016-0576-8 Rao SS, Disraeli P, McGregor T. Impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose. Am Fam Physician. Andersson S, Ekman I, Lindblad U, Friberg F. Perceived symptoms in people living with impaired glucose tolerance. Nurs Res Pract. 2011;2011:1-9. doi:10.1155/2011/937038 Centers for Disease Control. Prediabetes. your chance to prevent type 2 diabetes. Updated June 11, 2020. American Heart Association. Prediabetes modifiable risk factors. Updated August 30, 2015.