ISSN:
1432-0428
Keywords:
Hypoglycaemia
;
Type 1 diabetes
;
diabetes management
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The aim of this study was to discover the frequency, severity and causes of hypoglycaemic reactions in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. One hundred and seventy-two outpatients answered a questionnaire which also inquired about their feelings, opinions and fears with respect to insulin reactions. Hypoglycaemic reactions were common: a mild episode occurred at least once a month in 58% of patients, and at least one severe reaction (defined by the need of assistance) during the past year was described by 26%. Both were positively related to the duration of the disease. However, the occurrence of mild and severe attacks was not related. In addition, patients prone to mild hypoglycaemia seem to be somewhat different from patients prone to severe attacks in their attitudes towards the disease. For example, mild reactions are more frequent in patients devoted to ‘perfect’ control, whereas severe episodes were observed more frequently in those who did not think that controlling diabetes is a difficult task. The social consequences of any reaction, even mild, were important in 30% of the patients. Twenty-one percent of the patients said that the short-term risks of a hypoglycaemic reaction, even if correctly treated, were high and 6% said that the fear of having a reaction was unbearable. In addition to rational explanations, emotional factors were given as a cause of hypoglycaemia (14%), but 11% of cases felt that attacks occured without any obvious reason in spite of correct management.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00297389
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