Older Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Often Not Aware of Hypoglycemia

A study presented at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society implies that adults with Type 1 diabetes typically have low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, for more than an hour daily, reports dLife . Those unaware that they have hypoglycemia can spend more than 100 minutes a day in the hypoglycemic range, elevating their risk of seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. "Those who do not sense when low blood glucose is occurring as strongly as others can are particularly at risk," notes Anders L. Carlson with the International Diabetes Center. Many Type 1 diabetics have low blood sugar but experience no symptoms, so they do not realize they need treatment. The researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial that included 203 adults 60 and older with Type 1 diabetes, who used a continuous glucose monitor for up to 21 days. The monitor automatically tracks blood sugar levels day and night, and uses alarms to alert users when blood glucose levels are low or start to fall quickly. "The findings underscore the need for interventions to help reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemia in this age group," Carlson concludes.