HbA1c and Severe Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes

Hypoglycemia appears to be more common at both the lowest and highest glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

We generally assume that severe hypoglycemia occurs mainly in diabetic patients with the tightest glycemic control, manifested by low glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels. An observational study derived from a survey of patients enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California system suggests otherwise.

About 9000 type 2 diabetic patients who were taking diabetes medications were asked whether they had experienced severe hypoglycemia (requiring assistance to treat the reaction) during the past year. Overall, 11% reported at least one severe hypoglycemic episode. In unadjusted analyses, the relative risk for severe hypoglycemia was highest among patients with HbA_1c levels >9% (RR, 1.30, compared with HbA_1c of 7%–8%). In fully adjusted …

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

HbA_1c and Severe Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes

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Reviewing Author