by Colin Kenny, GP, Dromore
The study recognised that hypoglycaemia is common and examined both the characteristics of those who used the emergency services for an episode of hypoglycaemia and factors associated with an increased risk of mortality. During the period 2005 to 2013, patient characteristics were documented along with capillary blood glucose, HbA1c, treatment for hypoglycaemia and 12-month mortality.
In 1835 episodes among 1156 individuals, 45% had type 1 diabetes (68.2% males) and 44% had type 2 diabetes (49.4% males). A third of patients with type 2 diabetes were not on insulin therapy, and they had a lower HbA1c compared with insulin users. Hypoglycaemia in the community is common, with a male predominance in type 1 diabetes. Severe hypoglycaemia appears to be associated with increased mortality at 12 months, particularly in type 2 diabetes.
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