Practical strategies to normalize hyperglycemia without undue hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is a common problem in pharmacologically treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and can be a major barrier to achieving optimal glycemic control. For practitioners to minimize and treat hypoglycemia, it is important to understand the physiology, risk factors, and medications associated with hypoglycemia. Through education, lifestyle modifications, medication adjustments, and possibly re-examining glycemic goals, practitioners can reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia while still decreasing the risk of microvascular complications associated with hyperglycemia.

Development of an Educational Program on Prevention of Hypoglycemic Events Among Elderly Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes

“…30 Hypoglycemic events have been shown to have serious CV consequences, such as tachycardia, bradyarrhythmias, frequent ventricular ectopic beats, ST depression, T-wave flattening, and QT prolongation. 31 Proposed pathways include sympathoadrenal activation, leading to abnormal cardiac repolarization, QT prolongation, and hypokalemia. 32…”