New research from the Hypo-RESOLVE Project has shown what support adults with type 1 diabetes would like from healthcare professionals, family, friends, and the public
By Hannah Chatwin
Low blood glucose (known as hypoglycaemia or “hypo”) is common among adults with type 1 diabetes and can impact on many aspects of their life [1]. However, not much is known about what kind of support they need to cope with the burden of hypoglycaemia.
We asked adults with type 1 diabetes what they wished people understood about hypoglycaemia and what people could do differently to support them.
They said they needed:
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- Healthcare professionals to offer new diabetes technologies, training on hypoglycaemia prevention, personalized care, and psychological support
- Family and friends to remain calm during episodes and help them to prevent hypoglycaemia (e.g., by carrying hypo treatments)
- People (incl. family, friends, colleagues, and the public) to be better informed about what is causing hypoglycaemia, the symptoms and treatment
- Public to be more understanding of their experiences of living with the burden of hypoglycaemia.
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This study shows that adults with type 1 diabetes need support to prevent, manage, and live with the risk of hypoglycaemia. Many things can be done to address their needs.
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- Diabetes services need to offer person-centred care.
- Healthcare professionals need to ask adults with type 1 diabetes about their support needs, then develop management plans that address their needs.
- Adults with type 1 diabetes and their family members need to be offered education and training.
- Public awareness campaigns could help to improve general knowledge of hypoglycaemia.
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For healthcare professionals supporting people with diabetes, this practical guide has recommendations for asking about (fear of) hypoglycaemia [2] and support needs.
To read more of our research about hypoglycaemia check out our previous blogs [3] on this topic.
Chatwin H, Broadley M, Jensen M, Hendrieckx C, Carlton J., Heller S, Amiel S, de Galan B, Hermanns N, Finke-Groene K, Speight J, & Pouwer F. Unmet support needs relating to hypoglycaemia among adults with type 1 diabetes: Results of a multi-country web-based qualitative study. Diabetic Medicine, 2021 (published online ahead of print)