Hypoglycemia - Low Blood Glucose - Underestimated and Unexplored Problems in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract The aim: was to ascertain the frequency of self-reported hypoglycemia among people with type 2 diabetes; a further aim was to determine how participants received information about hypoglycemia, if hypoglycemia led to restriction in daily life and how to cope with hypoglycemia. Method: Telephone interviews with 3750 randomly selected individuals living in Sweden, were conducted during a period of 6-10 weeks; 202 people reported type 2 diabetes (prevalence more than 5%). Structured interviews were conducted using a questionnaire in order to fulfill the aims. The results: showed that approximately one-third (n = 56) stated that in recent years they had experienced symptoms of hypoglycemia, with an average of nine times in the past year and some participants reported experiencing symptoms up to 40 times in the past year. Participants appeared well informed about situations that might cause low blood glucose level. Furthermore, they expressed restrictions in daily life and used appropriate strategies for managing hypoglycemia, such as eating more or take less insulin. Based upon the results we concluded that the presence of perceived hypoglycemia is relatively common and a complex problem in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes nurses should ask patients about their experiences of hypoglycemia and how and if hypoglycemia causes problems in daily life, and discuss possible strategies.