The research, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, Germany, reveals significant socioeconomic disparities in diabetes risk. The study focuses on hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels, and its connection to food insecurity. Hypoglycemia can have severe consequences, including seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death. While it is rare in non-diabetics, diabetics are particularly vulnerable to hypoglycemia, especially if they are taking insulin or secretagogues.
Previous studies suggested a link between hypoglycemia and food insecurity, but little research had been conducted on the topic. Led by Dr. Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing, a team of researchers examined the hypoglycemia risk of 1001 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes over a period of 12 months. Participants had all been treated with insulin or secretagogues for at least a year.
The researchers found that food insecurity significantly increased the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes. Even when accounting for various factors such as age, income, insurance coverage, and living arrangements, those experiencing food insecurity were 2.2 times more likely to experience hypoglycemia compared to those who did not face food insecurity.
Given these findings, the researchers recommend that clinicians screen individuals with food insecurity for hypoglycemia risk. They also emphasize the importance of public health strategies to address food insecurity and prevent severe hypoglycemia. The consequences of severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous in the short term, leading to accidents and impaired awareness of falling blood glucose levels. In the long term, it can result in nerve and heart damage as well as premature mortality.
Overall, this study highlights an opportunity to reduce the burden of diabetes-related severe hypoglycemia and improve overall health. The results are particularly relevant considering the rising cost of living globally.