Survey: People with diabetes uncertain about management of hypoglycemia

[Northerner]

Results from an online survey of people living with type 1 or 2 diabetes was recently released, revealing that many are uncertain of how to prevent and manage hypoglycemia, according to a release from the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

The online survey, conducted between Sept. 24, 2014, and Oct. 1, 2014, included 1,000 adults aged ≥18 years with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

“Hypoglycemia can be a potentially debilitating — but often underrecognized — complication for people living with diabetes,” Evan Sisson, PharmD, MHA, CDE, associate professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy and former member of the board of directors for the AADE, said in the release. “In addition to knowing the warning signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, people living with diabetes should be informed about how to effectively manage and prevent its onset. By consistently monitoring one’s blood sugar and working with a diabetes educator, individuals can effectively manage their diabetes and hope to reduce their risk of hypoglycemia.”

http://www.healio.com/endocrinology...es-uncertain-about-management-of-hypoglycemia

49% were unaware that glucose tablets could be used to treat an episode.

😱

 

[trophywench]

Well just goes to show how the UK's NHS must be a FAR superior medical system than the crap private ones in the US, doesn't it ?

So that's no surprise to me - but as most Americans are totally ignorant geographically and are so full of their own importance that nobody else could possibly have or do anything better than them - who cares?

LOL

OTOH whilst all T1s and everybody on insulin in the UK MUST surely know these things - I expect the T2s not on insulin FAR outnumber us - and do THEY actually know?

 

[Andy HB]

Well if you watch some telly programmes, you surely treat hypos with an insulin injection of course! 😱😱

NOT

Andy 🙂

 

[KookyCat]

Well when you consider that a good proportion of Americans don't have medical insurance I'm surprised they even survive diagnosis, let alone get as far as treating hypos. My uncle who has type 1 (who knew, not me!) has been a US citizen since his early 20s, he's insured up to the hilt and his insurance company enforce 12 week appointments, CGM, pump, courses and a full run of annual tests because it's in their interest to keep him in tip top condition, but he volunteers with a group in a nearby neighbourhood in New Jersey who are uninsured, and they don't see doctors or get tests of any kind, some buy insulin over the counter and have never had any education. That's what being the biggest super power in the world does for you! Aside from my uncle who we all though was type 2, ive only spoken in the flesh to one other type 1/insulin user and she treats hypos with a chocolate bar, now if I waited for a chocolate bar to treat a hypo I'd have passed out before it even started to digest, but then she also thought an average blood sugar of 11.2 was OK so I'm guessing we weren't on the same wavelength 🙄

That said I wasn't told how to treat hypos in hospital (wasn't told much), probably because I was rocking sugars in the mid 20s and 30s when they chucked me out, but i worked it out. The consultant was disgusted they'd discharged me so early, and gobsmacked when I told him they hadn't even mentioned hypos, but then the A&E consultant told me I'd be back at work in a week, and the consultant said try 6 months and we'll see. As good as the NHS is if one part of the chain is weak the rest is weakened.

 

[Copepod]

Note that survey was commissioned by the body that represents diabetes educators, who work only if paid by health insurance companies. As already pointed out, not all Americans have health insurance, so struggle after diagnosis to buy medication, let alone blood glucose test kits. Hopefully a health care professional would suggest looking online for free information or send off for information or try library for specific books, but they might not have internet access, money for information by post or a local library.

Kookycat's example of differing periods of time of work suggested by 2 members of staff may reflect their experience. A non diabetes specialist with a very ale friend with diabetes might have a different opinion to a diabetes specialist who sees all the people with diabetes and the most serious problems. Plus, "work" isn't a single entity, so taking more time off before returning to irregular work patterns of activity in shifts will take longer than returning to a regular 9 to 5 office job. Progressing through part time and / or light / regular duties might be needed. Plus, not all employers are the same eg it's obvious that being a teacher in some schools is easier and more satisfying than in others.