The Prediabetic Health Impact of Glucose Intolerance

Dr. Rex Mahnensmith is a respected Waterbury, Connecticut, physician who treats chronic kidney disease cases at the StayWell Health Center. In a paper authored by Dr. Rex Mahnensmith, he examined glucose intolerance as a prediabetic condition.

Utilized by human tissues in generating energy, glucose is ready to absorb through the blood stream once it is broken down by the intestines from starches. Following absorption, glucose is transported to specific cells, tissues, and organs with the assistance of insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. The secretion of the glucose ­transport hormone insulin is triggered by glucose surges in the bloodstream. 

Glucose intolerance arises when glucose levels rise above 140 mg/dL or stay at a level higher than 100 mg/dL for more than two hours following ingestion. With the body unable to tolerate the load of glucose placed on it within a specific timeframe, the glucose ingested is not utilized completely by tissues and cells for production of energy. 

Glucose intolerance is tied to the development of diabetes mellitus in many patients and has serious ramifications. The reason for this has to do with the way in which glucose molecules unused for energy production ultimately bind toxically with blood vessel walls and cell membranes, and result in adverse reactions and microscopic scarring.