Diabetes management and daily functioning burden of non-severe hypoglycemia in Japanese people treated with insulin

Aims/introduction: The present study investigated the impact of non-severe hypoglycemic events (NSHE) on patients' diabetes management, daily functioning and well-being.

Materials and methods: A survey assessing the impact of NSHEs was completed by insulin-treated Japanese people with diabetes, aged ≥20 years with self-reported diabetes, who had experienced at least one NSHE in the past 3 months. Survey questions captured reasons for and the length of the event, and impacts on diabetes management, daily functioning, sleep and well-being.

Results: A total of 3,145 people with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus were screened, of which 411 respondents were eligible. Increased glucose monitoring was reported by 57 and 54% of respondents after daytime and night-time NSHE, respectively. The average number of additional glucose monitoring tests was 2.4 and 3.0 for daytime and night-time NSHE. Among all respondents, 19% (daytime) and 16% (night-time) changed their insulin dose after an NSHE. After a daytime NSHE, 25% of respondents reported a negative impact on their daily activities or work. After a night-time NSHE, 34 and 23% of respondents reported a negative impact on sleep and next day emotional state, respectively.

Conclusions: NSHEs have a negative impact on the diabetes management, daily functioning, sleep and well-being of Japanese patients.