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Review
. 2016 Dec;40(6):423-432.
doi: 10.4093/dmj.2016.40.6.423. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

Risk Factors and Adverse Outcomes of Severe Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Jae Seung Yun  1 , Seung Hyun Ko  2
Affiliations
Review

Risk Factors and Adverse Outcomes of Severe Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Jae Seung Yun et al. Diabetes Metab J. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Hypoglycemia has been considered as a major barrier to achieving the proper glycemic target in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. In particular, severe hypoglycemia (SH), which is defined as a hypoglycemic episode requiring the assistance of another person to raise the patient's glucose level, is a serious complication of diabetes because of its possible fatal outcomes. Recently, the recommendations for diabetes care have emphasized a patient-centered approach, considering the individualized patient factors including hypoglycemia. Many studies have been performed which analyzed the risk factors and clinical outcomes for SH. From the studies, researchers recommend that targeting a less stringent glycosylated hemoglobin level and selecting a safer class of drugs for hypoglycemia are appropriate for patients with a high risk of SH. Also, careful clinical attention to prevent hypoglycemia, including intensive education, is necessary to minimize the risk of SH and SH-related fatal outcomes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Hypoglycemia; Risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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