In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between impaired awareness of hypoglycemia and nerve damage. The study concluded that in adults with type 1 diabetes impaired awareness of hypoglycemia was not associated with nerve damage.
Some background
Impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) describes when patients are unable to recognize when they have low blood sugar. IAH is associated with a higher risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low levels of glucose). A greater understanding of how IAH occurs could help to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia.
Nerve damage is a possible long-term complication of uncontrolled diabetes. It is not known whether there is an association between nerve damage and IAH.
Methods & findings
This study included 66 adults with type 1 diabetes. 33 participants had IAH and 33 participants had normal awareness of hypoglycemia (NAH). Several nerve function tests were carried out to assess nerve damage.
During the year before the study, 39.4% of the IAH participants and 18.2% of the NAH participants had experienced one or more episodes of hypoglycemia. There were no significant differences observed between the participants with IAH and NAH in the nerve function testing. There were no significant differences observed between the IAH and NAH participants in nerve conduction testing (which tests the ability of the nerve to send a signal).
The bottom line
The current study concluded that in adults with type 1 diabetes, impaired awareness of hypoglycemia is not associated with nerve damage.
The fine print
A limitation of the study is that only 59% of the identified persons with IAH accepted the invitation to participate in the study.
Published By :
Diabetes Care
Date :
Dec 30, 2015
