Conversations and Reactions Around Severe Hypoglycaemia (CRASH): Spanish results of a global survey of people with type 1 diabetes or insulin-treated type 2 diabetes and caregivers

Abstract

IntroductionInformation on experience/management of severe hypoglycaemic events (SHEs) among people with insulin-treated diabetes (PWD) and caregivers (CGs) providing care to PWD was sought. Materials and methodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight countries. Inclusion criteria: PWD (aged≥18 years; self-reported type 1 [T1D] or insulin-treated type 2 [T2D] diabetes; experienced ≥1 SHE [hypoglycaemia requiring external assistance] in past 3 years); CGs (layperson aged ≥18 years; caring for PWD meeting all criteria above except age [≥4 years]). This descriptive analysis provides data from Spain. SHE-associated data relate to the most recent SHE. ResultsAcross all groups (T1D PWD, n=106; T2D PWD, n=88, T1D CG, n=87; T2D CG, n=96), 76–89% reported that the SHE occurred at home; most common cause was eating less than planned (38–53%). Most usual action during the SHE was to intake carbohydrates (67–84%); glucagon use was low (9–36%). Discussion of the SHE with their healthcare provider (HCP) was reported by 70–75% of PWD. During the SHE, 35–69% of PWD/CGs reported feeling scared, unprepared and/or helpless. ConclusionsMost SHEs occurred outside the healthcare setting; treatment therefore depends greatly on CGs. SHEs have a negative emotional impact on PWD/CGs, underscoring the need for HCPs to discuss SHEs with PWD/CGs, and to provide tools and strategies to prevent and effectively manage SHEs.