AWARENESS OF HYPOGLYCEMIC SYMPTOMS AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS ON INSULIN

Zahidullah Khan; Irfan Ullah; Noor Muhammad; Inamullah Khan; Nida Gul; Ayaz Ali

doi:10.46903/gjms/22.4.suppl.1651

AWARENESS OF HYPOGLYCEMIC SYMPTOMS AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS ON INSULIN

Zahidullah Khan, Irfan Ullah, Noor Muhammad, Inamullah Khan, Nida Gul, Ayaz Ali

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Hypoglycemia is a rate-limiting issue in achieving rigorous glycemic control in diabetic patients. Many diabetic patients on insulin therapy are not aware of hypoglycemic symptoms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypoglycemic symptoms in diabetic patients on Insulin.

Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2023 at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. A convenient sampling technique was used for data collection, and data was collected using socio-demographic characteristics, Clark’s questionnaire, and questions related to hypoglycemic symptoms. The sample size was determined using the WHO formula. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24. A p-value of <0.05 demonstrated statistically significant findings.

Results: The study included 345 diabetic patients. Among them, 156 (43.2%) were males and 189 (52.4%) were females. The majority of participants were uneducated, 250 (69.3%). About 18% of patients were aware of hypoglycemic symptoms. There was no association between the duration of diabetes and gender and awareness of hypoglycemic symptoms, while an association was found between education and awareness of hypoglycemic symptoms (p<0.001). Most participants said that they consume sugar when they experience hypoglycemic symptoms.

Conclusion: The majority of participants were unaware of hypoglycemic symptoms. These patients experience symptoms such as perspiration and trembling with hypoglycemia. The study also found an association between patients’ awareness of their symptoms and educational attainment. Most participants admitted to consuming sugar in response to hypoglycemic symptoms.

Keywords

Awareness; Hypoglycemia; Diabetes; Insulin.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46903/gjms/22.4.suppl.1651