Patients urged to report night hypos
Tuesday October 6th, 2015
Many patients with diabetes fail to report incidents of night-time hypoglycaemia to their clinician, according to a new survey.
This week has been designated Hypo Awareness Week.
A survey of 500 patients found that 32% reported not telling a doctor or nurse that they had experienced incidents of hypoglycaemia at night.
Some 66% said they had experienced one of these incidents in the previous month.
Patients reported a range of ill-effects from these incidents. Some 21% said they had taken time off work while 12% said they had lost productivity.
Some 12% said they were less likely to take exercise - and 25% said the incidents had made them "scared" of being alone.
Simon O'Neill, of Diabetes UK, said: "We encourage all people with diabetes to remember the simple TALK Hypos message and to take steps to better manage their day- and night-time hypos.
"These steps can include simple changes to lifestyle, diet and treatment so it is very important to discuss hypos as part of the regular consultation with your doctor or nurse."
Professor Anthony Barnett, of Birmingham University, said: "It is concerning that some patients are not reporting night-time hypos to their doctor or nurse, given the impact on their long-term health and lifestyle.
"People with diabetes who are experiencing either day- or night-time hypos are encouraged to speak to their doctor or nurse to ensure that they are being appropriately managed."
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