Hypoglycemic symptoms and hypoglycemia problem-solving ability in older adults with type 1 diabetes

Hypoglycemic symptoms and hypoglycemia problem-solving ability in older adults with type 1 diabetes

　Background: Hypoglycemia is a serious health concern in older adults（OA）with type 1 diabetes（T1D）and can lead to an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate hypoglycemic symptoms and problem-solving abilities related to hypoglycemia in OA with T1D.

　Methods: We conducted cross-sectional study of 268 adults with T1D, with a mean age of 52.3±13.4 years, males accounted for 37.3%, diabetes duration of 18.4±11.1 years, and mean hemoglobin A1c（HbA1c）level of 7.7±0.9%. The participants were divided into two groups: an OA group（aged ≥ 60 years, N＝82）and an adult control group（CG）（＜60 years, N＝186）. Data on diabetes history, complications, diabetes distress, hypoglycemia problem-solving abilities, and treatment were collected.

　Results: The OA group had a lower body mass index but higher HbA1c levels than the CG. There was no difference in the male percentage, retinopathy ratio, severe hypoglycemia history, problem areas in diabetes scores between the two groups. The OA group had lower autonomic and most of neuroglycopenic hypoglycemic symptom scores than the CG；however, there was no significant difference in general malaise symptom scores between the groups. The“Seeking preventive strategies”hypoglycemia score was lower in the OA group compared to the CG.

　Conclusions: Autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms frequently manifest in OA with T1D, and their ability to implement hypoglycemic prevention strategies is weak. To prevent hypoglycemia in OA with T1D, families and nurses should discuss and plan appropriate preventive strategies.

　Background: Hypoglycemia is a serious health concern in older adults（OA）with type 1 diabetes（T1D）and can lead to an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate hypoglycemic symptoms and problem-solving abilities related to hypoglycemia in OA with T1D.

　Methods: We conducted cross-sectional study of 268 adults with T1D, with a mean age of 52.3±13.4 years, males accounted for 37.3%, diabetes duration of 18.4±11.1 years, and mean hemoglobin A1c（HbA1c）level of 7.7±0.9%. The participants were divided into two groups: an OA group（aged ≥ 60 years, N＝82）and an adult control group（CG）（＜60 years, N＝186）. Data on diabetes history, complications, diabetes distress, hypoglycemia problem-solving abilities, and treatment were collected.

　Results: The OA group had a lower body mass index but higher HbA1c levels than the CG. There was no difference in the male percentage, retinopathy ratio, severe hypoglycemia history, problem areas in diabetes scores between the two groups. The OA group had lower autonomic and most of neuroglycopenic hypoglycemic symptom scores than the CG；however, there was no significant difference in general malaise symptom scores between the groups. The“Seeking preventive strategies”hypoglycemia score was lower in the OA group compared to the CG.

　Conclusions: Autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms frequently manifest in OA with T1D, and their ability to implement hypoglycemic prevention strategies is weak. To prevent hypoglycemia in OA with T1D, families and nurses should discuss and plan appropriate preventive strategies.