Diabetes sufferers need to be aware of the signs
People with Type 2 diabetes may be putting themselves at risk by ignoring signs of hypoglycaemia, according to a new report.
The review paper included data presented earlier this year at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference, which showed a significant gap in patients’ understanding about the potential side effects of treatments for type 2 diabetes, such as hypoglycaemia.
Hypoglycaemia is a preventable treatment side effect and occurs when the level of glucose in the blood falls too low.
Research suggests that moderate or severe hypoglycaemia can affect up to 45% of people with type 2 diabetes over a 12 month period, meaning that up to 1 million of the UK’s 2.9 million people could be affected.
In its mildest form, hypoglycaemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Driving when experiencing symptoms of hypoglycaemia can cause serious consequences. According to police notifications received by DVLA, there are around five fatal crashes a year involving hypoglycaemia and 45 serious events a month.
Professor Anthony Barnett, Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Consultant Physician, University of Birmingham and Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and study co-author, comments: “Hypoglycaemia does not have to be part of living with type 2 diabetes. It should be a preventable side effect but its’ occurrence can have a significant impact on the patient and the wider healthcare system. It’s really concerning that as many as two thirds of people with type 2 diabetes on oral medication cannot identify the symptoms of severe hypoglycaemia. A common side effect of some treatments.
“This is especially worrying if we consider how many patients drive and therefore run the risk of experiencing a hypo while driving. It is also of great concern how often ambulance call-outs and even hospital admissions are related to hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes on oral agents. The purpose of this new paper is to increase understanding of the impact and consequences of hypoglycaemia in order to encourage and improve the overall management of people living with type 2 diabetes.”
It is estimated that the NHS spends £10 billion on diabetes each year, with 80% of this spending going to manage potentially preventable complications.
Leading GP and diabetes expert, Dr Sarah Jarvis, added, “We know that either due to lack of information, or concerns about losing their driving licence, patients do not spontaneously inform their GPs about hypoglycaemic episodes. There is an urgent need for more proactive discussions between healthcare professionals and patients - better and clearer communication will help identify the risk, and hopefully reduce the occurrence of this manageable treatment complication.”
Dr Richard Brice, GP, Whitstable Medical Practice and study co-author, comments: “This highlights the worrying unawareness of hypoglycaemia as a serious issue. Symptoms can include having difficulty concentrating, blurred vision and delayed reactions, which can impact many aspects of everyday living, including driving. I’m worried that half (51%) of people with type 2 diabetes didn’t raise driving as a potential concern, with just 3% of respondents monitoring their glucose before getting behind the wheel. This research should act as a call for action for healthcare professionals treating people with diabetes to educate them about the importance of avoiding hypoglycaemia and of ensuring good blood sugar control, especially where safety of themselves or others is concerned like driving."