“Hypoglyceamia can be a serious problem for diabetes patients. It is important that patients who experience hypoglycaemia feel comfortable discussing it with physicians,” said Professor Michael Nauck, Diabetologist and Head of Diabeteszentrum, Bad Lauterberg (Harz, Germany). “Through careful management, the risk of hypoglycaemia can be reduced in many patients, but only if the physician is aware of the problem,” he continued.
One-third of patients surveyed said they have required assistance from others due to hypoglycaemia and 17% said they have required emergency care. In addition, 37% of patients reported they had experienced hypoglycaemia while working and 12% while driving.
The survey results also show that the causes of hypoglycaemia are unknown to many patients (45% didn’t recognise that skipping breakfast can be a cause and 54% didn’t know that excessive exercise can also be a contributor). More than half of the type 2 diabetes patients surveyed (53%) were unaware that hypoglycaemia can be caused by certain diabetes medications and 22% thought there was nothing their physician could do to help them. However, 80% of physicians surveyed said they would change their type 2 diabetes patients’ medication if they presented with symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
While many European patients with type 2 diabetes are familiar with the main symptoms of hypoglycaemia (66% recognise dizziness and 59% reported sweating as symptoms), a number of patients mistakenly considered other symptoms to be hypoglycaemia related (49% cited thirst and 26% noted frequent urination, which are associated with hyperglycaemia, also known as high blood sugar).[i]
The survey results further support the need for improved patient and physician dialogue. The majority of physicians (85%) stated it would be extremely useful or very useful to have more information and resources to help their type 2 diabetes patients identify and manage hypoglycaemia. In addition, 60% of patients said that it would be extremely useful or very useful to discuss hypoglycaemia more frequently with their physician.
About Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when the level of glucose in the blood drops too low for the body’s needs.[ii] It can occur in patients with type 2 diabetes and is associated with certain type 2 diabetes medications.[iii] Symptoms of hypoglycaemia can range from mild to severe, and may include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heart beat, sweating and feeling jittery.[iv] Repeat episodes of hypoglycaemia can reduce a person’s adherence to diabetes medication, with patients recording increased uncertainty about instructions and greater difficulties following treatment plans.[v]
Survey Design
The 2010 Exploring Hypoglycaemia Survey, conducted by Kantar Health for MSD, examined the views of physicians and people with type 2 diabetes throughout Europe to better understand knowledge, behaviour and communication surrounding hypoglycaemia. A total of 654 interviews were conducted among 250 physicians, who were diabetologists / diabetes specialists or endocrinologists and 404 people who had been diagnosed with and treated for type 2 diabetes across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
About MSD
Today's MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.msd.com
