TO DETERMINE THE FREQUENCY OF HYPOGLYCAEMIA IN DIABETIC PATIENTS TAKING ORAL HYPOGLYCAEMIC DRUGS/ INSULIN

Background: The risk of severe hypoglycemia is greatly increased in subjects having old age, renal failure, hepatic failure and pregnancy. The overall prevalence is 2–3%, and the lifetime risk is around 15%. Objective: To determine the frequency of hypoglycemia in diabetic subjects taking oral hypoglycemic agents/ Insulin therapy. Method: This cross-sectional study includes 250 out/in patient type 2 diabetic subjects visiting to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences that is a tertiary care hospital from 06-12-2013 to 06-06-2014. Subjects of both genders, age more than 12 years, diagnosed case of type 2 diabetes mellitus (including subjects admitted to emergency department or emergency room) using insulin/oral hypoglycemic agents were included. Subjects were categorized between 12 to > 60 years of age groups. Non-Probability Consecutive sampling technique was used. Sample size was calculated by using WHO (World Health Organization) sample size calculator. Baseline characteristics and other detailed information was obtained by using electronic questionnaire. Once stabilizing the subjects were asked about hypoglycemic episodes by inquiring about the hypoglycemic symptoms. Result: Total of 250 subjects having Type 2 diabetes, taking oral hypoglycemic agents/insulin were included in this study. Mean age of study subjects was 46.02 + 34 years. Male gender was predominant compared to females. Out of 250 subject’s frequencies of hypoglycemia was seen in 60(24%) subjects taking oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. Results indicate 34(56.6%) subjects have hypoglycemia in more than 50 years of age. Total of 104(41.6%) subjects were taking insulin only, 63 (25%) oral hypoglycemic agents and 83(33.3%) both oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin Lantus (Glargine). On the basis of types of insulin Premix 70/30 insulin was used in 60% of subjects. After comparing oral hypoglycemic agents most of the subjects 53.30% were observed taking Glibenclamide. Conclusion: This study concludes that high frequency of hypoglycemia not associated with increased mortality risk but may be a marker of disease burden. Hypoglycemic episodes can be prevented by keeping the lowest possible dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents (or using shortest acting oral hypoglycemic agents) or by proper counseling of subjects about lifestyle management and making the subjects aware about hypoglycemic symptoms. Key Words: Diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, oral hypoglycemic agents/ Insuli