Managing IGT

The importance of finding out that you have impaired glucose tolerance is that you know you are at risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, so it’s time to act. Lifestyle changes can prevent 58 per cent of cases from becoming type 2 diabetes. You should:

• Return to your healthy weight. If you’re overweight, ask your GP to determine your healthy weight-range and share some weight-loss advice.

• Look at your diet. Eat more plant-based and high-fibre foods and less fat and highkilojoule foods. Cut out processed foods and sugary drinks.

• Try time-restricted eating (TRE). There is evidence that eating in an 8-hour window (the 16:8 diet) helps with glucose metabolism.

• Exercise every day. Combining a better diet with daily, moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes or more is the most effective approach.

• Stop smoking. Otherwise you will be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. Your doctor will discuss whether medication called metformin will help your lifestyle measures to delay or prevent diabetes from developing.