Adriana Boateng-Kuffour 1, Caitlin S Kelly 2, Huyen T Nguyen 2, Keval Chandarana 3, Katherine S Chapman 2, Liang Chen 3, Emilee M Cornelius 2, Wendy A Wolf 2, William H Polonsky 4
Abstract
Introduction: Although type 1 diabetes (T1D) technology has improved health outcomes for many, some people continue to experience severe hypoglycemic events (SHEs). This study reviews the history of SHEs and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) compound risk for future SHEs, and describes the lived experiences of SHEs among adult people with T1D (pwT1D) with recurrent SHEs (≥ 2/year) and IAH who use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).
Methods: In this online survey study with eligible CGM-users from the T1D Exchange Registry, participants were asked open-ended questions on the impact of SHEs on their lives, then responses were analyzed thematically. Participants reporting ≥ 2 SHEs in the last year and IAH were included in the analytic sample.
Results: Participant (n = 158) responses were coded into 12 thematic categories. A total of 82% of participants reported one or more of the following themes: Emotional and Psychological Impact of SHEs, Social/Relationships Impacts, and Attempts to Prevent and Cope. Specifically, nearly half of participants described the Emotional and Psychological Impact of SHEs (49.4%), with fear around hypoglycemia being especially prominent (e.g., “I worry I might pass out and not wake up…”). Over one-third of participants described impacts of SHEs on their Social Relationships (33.5%), including increased distress from their loved ones. Remaining themes described impacts on numerous other domains of life.
Conclusion: Adult pwT1D using CGMs who had recurrent SHEs and IAH experience substantial burden in their daily lives. New therapeutic options to help this population eliminate SHEs and meet T1D treatment goals would be especially beneficial.
