Frequency and Predictors of Self-Reported Hypoglycemia in Insulin-Treated Diabetes

Abstract EN

Aims.

Hypoglycemia is a limiting factor for achieving stringent glycemic control in diabetes.

This study analyzes the frequency and predictors of hypoglycemia in insulin-treated diabetes in an ambulatory setting.

Methods.

A retrospective chart review was performed to study self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) data for 3 months prior to a patient’s HbA1c test.

Results.

Hypoglycemia occurred more frequently in type 1 than in type 2 diabetes; however, 19% of type 2 diabetes patients did experience at least one episode of severe hypoglycemia.

For type 1 diabetes, hypoglycemia had a positive association with glycemic variability and duration of diabetes and a negative association with HbA1c and lowest blood glucose (BG).

For type 2 diabetes, a positive association was noted with glycemic variability and a negative association with age and lowest BG.

Conclusions.

Delineating factors predisposing to hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes is difficult.

Lower HbA1c is a potential predictor of hypoglycemia in type 1 but not in type 2 diabetes.

Longer duration of diabetes for type 1 and younger age for type 2 are associated with more hypoglycemia.

Glycemic variability portends increased risk for hypoglycemia and should be a focus of further research.