Nocturnal Hypoglycaemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Database Analysis of a Cohort Using Telemedicine Support for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose over a 10-Year-Long Period.

Background and Objectives: In patients with diabetes mellitus, hypoglycaemic episodes, especially during night hours, carry a significant risk. Data about the occurrence of nocturnal hypoglycaemia in real-world settings are of clinical importance. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occurrence of nocturnal hypoglycaemia among patients with diabetes using self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with telemedicine support. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed the central database of an internet-based supportive system between 2010 and 2020 when 8190 SMBG users uploaded nearly 10 million capillary blood glucose values. Nocturnal hypoglycaemia was defined as capillary blood glucose 3.9 mml/L), was 273 min (interquartile range: 157-300 min). Conclusions: Nocturnal hypoglycaemia should be considered as a persisting challenge to antihyperglycaemic treatment in patients living with diabetes. Continuous efforts are needed to improve both antihyperglycaemic treatment and patient education for preventing nocturnal hypoglycaemia, and to act adequately if hypoglycaemic values are detected.