title: A review of hypoglycaemia in a South African family practice setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence and incidence of diabetes in South Africa are high and are expected to increase. Mortality and morbidity may be related to hypoglycaemia, and there is limited information on hypoglycaemia from private practice sites. The aim of this study was to assess patients' education about, knowledge of and response to hypoglycaemia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study site was a general practice, and participants were all patients with diabetes who presented to the practice over a 1-month period. Data were collected using a closedended questionnaire and analysed descriptively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most respondents were South Africans of Indian origin and were diagnosed with diabetes at a relatively young age. Despite attending a private practice, most had low incomes and low schooling levels. Just under half reported having experienced hypoglycaemia, and there was a strong association between hypoglycaemia and insulin use. Many reported never having received any education around hypoglycaemia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study highlights the need for early screening for diabetes in this vulnerable population. Hypoglycaemic education should consider low schooling levels even in a private general practice, and further study is required on the quality and frequency of education provided in general practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal. drpillaydk@telkomsa.net.
authors.forename: Devan K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Pillay
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D005194:Family Practice; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011331:Private Practice; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin
keywords: KwaZulu-Natal; hypoglycemic education.; diabetes; hypoglycemia