Study of Association of Hypoglycemic Episodes to Various Potential Risk Factors among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Patients

Abstract

Aim: Hypoglycemia is a major barrier to achieving proper glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This study aims to document the incidence of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and assess its association with potential risk factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Medicine outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India. A total of 174 patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus were interviewed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire- Stanford Hypoglycemia Questionnaire. Patients with hormone-secreting disorders or pregnant women were excluded. Another questionnaire recorded various potential risk factors. Statistical test for proportions was used to assess the association between incidence of hypoglycemia and the risk factors. Results: Majority (92.5%) had a positive history of hypoglycemic events. A significant association was established between frequency of hypoglycemia, and duration of disease, BMI, sedentary lifestyle and insulin usage. Regularity of food intake, drug compliance and alcohol consumption were not significant factors. Conclusion: Increased incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly associated with pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors including insulin therapy, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and chronicity of the disease. This knowledge shall help medical practitioners to strategize individualized care and maintain glycemic control in diabetic patients.