The experience of a severe hypoglycaemic event from the perspective of people with diabetes and their caregivers: “What am I going to do?”

Abstract

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creat ive Commo ns Attri butio n NonCo mmercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.

‘Didn't See the Need’: Misperceptions about glucagon from the perspectives of people with diabetes and their caregivers

“…12 While the study's larger sample size and use of dyads were its strengths, its limitations include the relatively homogenous sample of interviewees and their biases associated with self reporting and recall. 15 In comparing the themes of this paper to other peerreviewed literature on barriers to glucagon administration, similar themes were observed-treatment with glucagon was considered complex and intimidating, and the 12-step process to reconstitute and administer glucagon was difficult to follow during high-anxiety situations and with limited dexterity. 12 Most individuals want their glucagon devices to be easier to use, easy to carry and contain clear instructions for use.…”

“…We described the study design and sample in detail previously. 15 In summary, we conducted a cross-sectional study in the United States with dyads of people with diabetes (type 1 and 2 diabetes) and their caregivers. Eligible people with diabetes were using insulin for ≥1 year and had received help from their current caregiver during a severe hypoglycaemic event within the last 3 years.…”

“…nasal powder 18 or premixed syringe 19 , Federal Drug Administration approved mid 2019) in order to assess the general insulin-treated population's knowledge about severe hypoglycaemia and glucagon. 15…”

“…In interviews with people with diabetes taking insulin and their caregivers, discussions with healthcare providers about severe hypoglycaemic events and its treatment were found to be limited. In fact, 38% were not aware of glucagon, and 62% reported that their healthcare providers had never mentioned glucagon as a treatment for severe hypoglycaemic events 15 …”

“…11 Although reconstitutable injectable glucagon has been commercially available since the 1960s, 12 studies have found that injectable glucagon is not routinely discussed during interactions with healthcare providers. [13][14][15] In interviews with people with diabetes taking insulin and their caregivers, discussions with healthcare providers about severe hypoglycaemic events and its treatment were found to be limited. In fact, 38% were not aware of glucagon, and 62% reported that their healthcare providers had never mentioned glucagon as a treatment for severe hypoglycaemic events.…”