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. 2013;17(10):899-902.
doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0351-x.

Hypoglycaemic symptoms and hypoglycaemia threshold in older people with diabetes--a patient perspective

A H Abdelhafiz  1 , C Bailey, B Eng Loo, A Sinclair
Affiliations

Hypoglycaemic symptoms and hypoglycaemia threshold in older people with diabetes--a patient perspective

A H Abdelhafiz et al. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate patients' views about their lowest tolerable blood glucose level and explore symptoms they may develop below that level.

Design: A semi-structured patient interview.

Setting: Outpatient clinic for older people (≥75 years) with diabetes.

Participants: Patients attending an outpatient clinic over a six months period who are monitoring their blood glucose at home and able to participate in interview.

Results: Sixty one patients gave answers to the interview questions. Mean (SD) age was 82.3 (3.9) years and 33 (54%) were females. All patients indicated that they were usually aware when hypoglycaemia occurs but the symptoms reported were mostly non specific. The threshold for hypoglycaemia was 5 mmol/L in 13 (21%) patients, 6 mmol/L in 14 (23%) patients, 7 mmol/L in 13 (21%) patients, 8 mmol/L in 17 (28%) patients and 9 mmol/L in 4 (7%) patients. There was no significant difference between patients who were symptomatic at a higher blood glucose level (>6 mmo/L) and those who developed symptoms at a lower level (≤6 mmol/L).

Conclusion: Older people with diabetes who seem to be aware of hypoglycaemia report mostly non specific symptoms. The threshold of experiencing hypoglycaemic symptoms appears to be higher than the usually defined <4 mmol/L.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The least tolerated blood glucose levels stated by patients
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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