A cross-sectional study of impaired awareness of hypoglycemia and its risk factors among people living with type 1 diabetes in western region, Saudi Arabia

Abdulmajeed Algethami; Shumukh AlThomali; Maram Alameen; Hutaf Almutairi

doi:10.54293/smhj.v6i1.173

Authors

Abdulmajeed Algethami Consultant of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology & Diabetes Mellitus, Taif, KSA.
Shumukh AlThomali Medical intern, Taif University, Taif, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2678-264X
Maram A. Alameen Medical intern, Taif University, Taif, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5962-1746
Hutaf S. Almutairi Medical intern, Taif University, Taif, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3135-6665

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v6i1.173

Keywords:

Awareness of hypoglycemia, Hypoglycemia risk, Saudi Arabia, Type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Background: One of the most prevalent endocrine metabolic diseases affecting children and adolescents worldwide is type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), it frequently has severe acute and long-term effects. The prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) is notably high among T1D patients in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IAH and identify the associated risk factors in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.

Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted through an online survey distributed across the Western region of Saudi Arabia between July and October 2024. The study utilized the Clarke Hypoglycemia Awareness Survey.

Results: Data from 382 T1D patients were analyzed, revealing a prevalence of IAH of 75.1% in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Younger adults, particularly those aged 25–54, reported more frequent moderate and severe hypoglycemic episodes. Female participants exhibited a higher prevalence of reduced awareness (72.1%). Patients with higher educational attainment demonstrated poorer awareness of hypoglycemic symptoms. However, this finding was not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion: The high prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) among T1D patients in Saudi Arabia’s Western region underscores the urgent need for improved patient education and awareness programs on hypoglycemia and effective self-management strategies, especially for newly diagnosed individuals. Addressing key factors, such as the duration of diabetes and the importance of tailored educational interventions, is crucial to reducing the risks associated with IAH.