High frequency of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary diabetes clinic in Durban, South Africa

Abstract Aim The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypoglycaemia in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D) attending a public health tertiary diabetes clinic in Durban, South Africa. Methods Patients with T1D were enrolled at the time of clinic attendance. Data on hypoglycaemia over the previous 12 weeks were obtained from glucose meter downloads as well as diary records. Each patient completed the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey questionnaire as well as an in-house questionnaire on hypoglycaemic episodes in the previous 12 months. Results A total of 151 subjects (58% female, 54% black African) were enrolled. “Any” hypoglycaemia occurred in 144 (95.4%) in the 12 months prior to clinic attendance. Of these, “severe” hypoglycaemia occurred in 107 (74.3%) and 22 (20.6%) had five or more severe episodes. The most frequent behavioural change in response to hypoglycaemia was insulin dose self-adjustment and the commonest worry was the possibility of becoming emotionally upset during hypoglycaemia. Conclusions In a tertiary diabetes clinic in Durban, South Africa, there was a high frequency of hypoglycaemia in patients with T1D and in the majority, at least one severe episode occurred in the 12 months prior to clinic attendance. The results indicate a need for further study and strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of hypoglycaemia.