What plasma glucose level indicates impaired glucose tolerance two hours after glucose intake?

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is characterized by specific plasma glucose levels measured two hours after the ingestion of a glucose-containing drink during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). According to the diagnostic criteria established by the World Health Organization, a plasma glucose level of 7.8 to 11.1 mmol/L indicates impaired glucose tolerance.

This range is critical for identifying individuals who may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders, as it signifies a state where glucose regulation is not optimal, but the individual has not yet reached the threshold for diabetes, which is defined as glucose levels of 11.1 mmol/L or higher.

Understanding this specific range is essential for healthcare professionals in order to effectively screen for prediabetes and implement early interventions to help prevent the progression to diabetes. The other options either define levels that are too low or exceed the threshold for diagnosing diabetes, thereby not aligning with the definition of impaired glucose tolerance.