Hypoglycaemia in insulin dependent diabetic patients attending an outpatients' clinic.
One hundred and fifty-eight patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus attending two Auckland outpatient clinics answered a questionnaire about hypoglycaemia. Almost all (98%) had experienced hypoglycaemic episodes and for 30% these were a major problem. Seventy-seven percent reported nocturnal hypoglycaemia, 39% of whom required external assistance during episodes. Forty-three percent had experienced coma, or convulsions during hypoglycaemia and a small group, 7%, had recurrent severe episodes. Twenty percent carried no diabetic identification and 13% did not routinely carry a glucose supply. Only 38% of patients kept glucagon at home. Forty percent of patients driving vehicles had experienced hypoglycaemia while driving and 13% reported traffic accidents attributed to hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia is a major problem for many patients taking insulin. Improved education, wider availability of glucagon and more liberal glycaemic control of patients with problematic hypoglycaemia may be advisable.
Ward
C M
CM
North Shore Hospital, Auckland.
Stewart
A W
AW
Cutfield
R G
RG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D001786:Blood Glucose