Fifty Percent Hidden Incidence of “Hypos” in Type 2’s

Fifty Percent Hidden Incidence of “Hypos” in Type 2’s: Half (49%) of people with Type 2 diabetes (excluding those treated with insulin) experienced at least one “hypo” — an episode of low blood glucose that can result in symptoms ranging from sweating to a loss of consciousness — during a 2 week period. Over half (52%) of those surveyed believe mild to moderate hypos affect their quality of life and one in ten reported having to take at least one day off work in the last year as a result of a mild to moderate hypo. “Importantly, this survey has also shown us that even people who are not taking insulin are having regular hypos. The survey also revealed that more than one third reported that mild to moderate hypos affect their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, including housework (35%), social activities (37%), sports activities (35%) and sleep (35%). Nearly half of those questioned said they worry about having a mild to moderate hypo (47%) and that their emotional well-being is affected (47%). For Type 2 diabetics, medication is often required and hypos only occur in people with Type 2 diabetes who have to take certain medications such as sulfonylureas.

Diabetes UK