PROVIDENCE, R.I., July 11,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Findings from a new
study published in Annals of Family
Medicine reveal an association between long-term use of
sulfonylureas and increased risk of impaired awareness of
hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The research highlights a critical concern for diabetes management,
because patients using sulfonylureas for extended periods may face
higher risks of dangerously low blood sugar levels without
recognizing the symptoms.
Sulfonylureas increase insulin production regardless of blood
sugar levels and can cause blood sugar to drop too low, leading to
hypoglycemia. Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia can impair
patients' ability to recognize low blood glucose levels. The study
aimed to compare how the duration of sulfonylurea use affects the
prevalence of hypoglycemia unawareness in patients with type 2
diabetes, in comparison to insulin users.
The study found:
- Up to 94.3% of participants, half male and half female and
mostly aged 40-69, visited a clinician as an outpatient every 2-3
months for diabetes care. For participants who used the medication
for less than a year, the prevalence of impaired awareness of
hypoglycemia in sulfonylurea users was 47.8% (Gold) and 30.4%
(Clarke). The prevalence increased to 70.7% (Gold) and 56.9%
(Clarke) for users treated with sulfonylurea for more than five
years.
- For insulin user participants who used the medication for less
than a year, the prevalence of impaired hypoglycemia awareness was
57.3% (Gold) and 30.1% (Clarke). This decreased to 41% (Gold) and
28.2% (Clarke) for participants who used the medication for more
than five years.
- Regular ambulatory care with tests, including blood glucose and
retina exams, was associated with lower odds of impaired awareness
of hypoglycemia in both sulfonylurea and insulin users.
These findings underscore the heightened risk of hypoglycemia
unawareness associated with long-term sulfonylurea use. Given the
affordability and widespread use of sulfonylureas in treating type
2 diabetes, these findings are important for guiding treatment
decisions. Current guidelines recommend newer classes of
medications that offer a reduced risk of hypoglycemia.
Article Cited:
Long-Term Sulfonylurea Use and Impaired Awareness of
Hypoglycemia Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Taiwan
Hsiang-Ju Cheng, MD, MS; Siou-Huei Weng, MS; Jia-Ling Wu, PhD; Shu-Tin Yeh, MD; Hua-Fen Chen, MD, MS;
Hermina Novida, MD; Huang-Tz Ou,
PhD; and Chung-Yi Li, PhD
Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed, indexed
research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new,
evidence-based information affecting the primary care disciplines.
Launched in May 2003, Annals of
Family Medicine is sponsored by seven family medical
organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians,
the American Board of Family Medicine, the Society of Teachers of
Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine,
the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors, the North
American Primary Care Research Group, and the College of Family
Physicians of Canada. Annals of
Family Medicine is published online six times each year and
contains original research from the clinical, biomedical, social,
and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology
and theory, selected reviews, essays, and editorials. Complete
editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each
published article can be accessed for free on the journal's
website, www.AnnFamMed.org.
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SOURCE Annals of Family Medicine