Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes: understanding patients' and physicians' knowledge and experience

The aim of the current study is to assess the patient and physician experience and knowledge of hypoglycemia in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). T2DM patients (N = 1002) completed questionnaires on hypoglycemia experience, familiarity, and fear. Their responses were compared across various antihyperglycemic treatment regimens; specifically, (1) insulin only or insulin combined with sulfonylurea [SU] and/or metformin, (2) SU only with/without metformin, and (3) neither insulin nor SU. Physicians (N = 1003) completed questionnaires on hypoglycemia knowledge and decision-making, and their responses were compared by specialty [75% primary care providers (PCPs) and 25% endocrinologists]. T2DM patients treated with, (1) insulin only, or (2) insulin plus SU or metformin, reported the most experience and familiarity with—but also fear of—hypoglycemic events. Insulin-treated patients (insulin alone or insulin plus SU/metformin) also reported experiencing more hypoglycemia (all p-values