Fear of hypoglycaemia and self-management in type 1 diabetes

Mäkimattila, S; Saraheimo, M; Forsblom, C; Ahola, AJ; Freese, R; Groop, P-H
Abstract
Aims We studied the association between fear of hypoglycaemia (FoH) and various diabetes self-management practices. Methods Data from 798 individuals with type 1 diabetes participating in the FinnDiane Study were included. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess FoH and self-management practices (e.g. dietary intake, insulin administration, physical activity). For glycaemic control, we used both the latest HbA1c measurements and the serial HbA1c measurements from the medical files. Factor analysis was used to reveal underlying constructs within the food frequency section of the diet questionnaire. Results In all, 44% and 63% of men and women reported FoH, respectively. In men, FoH was associated with higher mean serial HbA1c levels, higher number of reported self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), higher carbohydrate intake, and lower scores in the “high-fat” factor. In women, FoH was associated with a higher number of reported SMBGs and higher energy intake. No difference was observed in physical activity and insulin administration. Conclusions FoH has various implications for the self-management of diabetes. More studies are however needed to assess on one hand the association between FoH and diabetes self-management, and on the other hand, FoH and its long term consequences, such as the emergence of diabetic complications and mortality.
Journal J CLIN TRANSL ENDOCRINOL
ISSN 2214-6237
Published 01 Jun 2016
Volume 4
Issue
Pages 13-8
DOI 10.1016/j.jcte.2016.02.002
Type Journal Article
Sponsorship
Academy of Finland Novo Nordisk Foundation Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation Folkhälsan Research Foundation Wilhelm and Else Stockmann Foundation