What is the frequency of symptomatic mild hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes in the young?: assessment by novel mobile phone technology and computer-based interviewing.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of mild hypoglycemia is difficult to document, particularly, in young people with diabetes. The usual method is to ask for subject recall using written 'diaries'.


OBJECTIVE
In 2004, we investigated if new technology could be used to ascertain an accurate prevalence of mild hypoglycemia, particularly self-treated. We compared the use of 'text messaging' and computer-based interviewing with the standard diary method.


METHODS
Thirty-seven participants, aged 7-18 yr, with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for >1-yr duration.


METHODS
Open comparison of three systems to collect the data on frequency of hypos (all severity): diary, mobile phone and computer-based interview (CBI), with qualitative analysis of patient feedback.


RESULTS
One hundred thirty-two hypos were found over 705 recorded days. All were graded mild or moderate and none severe. Calculated frequency was 5.2 hypos per month: 13.6% subjects had no recorded episode, 36.4% had 1-4, 31.8% 5-9 and 18.2% >10. Mean blood glucose level at the onset of hypoglycemia was 3.0 mmol/L (1.0-5.2). Response rate of occurrence of hypoglycemic episode recorded by three systems is as follows - diary: 24 (65%) of the 37 subjects reported episodes, mobile: 18 (95%) of 19 subjects and CBI: 16 (89%) of 18 subjects. Sixty-five percent of subjects preferred the mobile and 54% of subjects preferred CBI compared with the diary. Fifty-five percent and 30.8% of subjects found the mobile and the CBI, respectively, easiest to fit into their everyday life.


CONCLUSIONS
Mobile phone text messaging and CBI are alternatives to written diaries as methods of data collection. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but both have the advantage of daily reminders, rapid response and quick data analysis. Using this technology, it was found that the frequency of hypoglycemia was higher (>3 times) than that previously recognized.
Tasker
Anthony P B
AP
Maternal and Child Health Sciences, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
Gibson
Lorna
L
Franklin
Victoria
V
Gregor
Peter
P
Greene
Stephen
S
D000293:Adolescent; D040421:Cell Phone; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications*; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000209:etiology*; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male