Towards a better understanding of postprandial hyperglycemic episodes in people with diabetes: impact on daily functioning.
OBJECTIVE
Acute postprandial hyperglycemia (aPPHG) is often symptomatic and can be associated with behavioral changes such as impaired working memory and attention. However, there is little evidence of the impact of aPPHG on the daily lives of patients. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and severity of aPPHG episodes and their impact on daily functioning in people with insulin-treated diabetes.


METHODS
Adults (n = 1200) with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) or 2 (T2DM), most of whom experienced aPPHG, were recruited to complete an online cross-sectional survey in the USA and UK. The survey captured self-reported severity and frequency of aPPHG episodes and included a newly developed questionnaire (aPPHG-Q) assessing the impact of aPPHG episodes on patients' daily lives. Data was analyzed separately according to diabetes type and country. Regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between severity or frequency and scores on the aPPHG-Q.


RESULTS
Between 70% and 86% of USA, and 87% and 88% of UK participants reported experiencing aPPHG episodes. Increasing frequency and severity of aPPHG episodes were associated with worse scores on the aPPHG-Q in patients with both T1DM and T2DM in both countries (p < .014) on all subscale scores (excluding the worry and concerns scores for T1DM in the UK), although the magnitude of the association was smaller for aPPHG frequency.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased severity and frequency of aPPHG episodes in patients with insulin-treated diabetes is associated with greater burden and experience of symptoms, and can negatively impact daily functioning.
['Heller|Simon|S|', 'Meneghini|Luigi|L|', 'Nikolajsen|Annie|A|', 'Kragh|Nana|N|', 'Lewis|Hannah B|HB|', 'Saretsky|Todd|T|', 'Kosmas|Charlotte E|CE|', 'Lloyd|Andrew|A|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 D005260:Female D006801:Humans D006943:Hyperglycemia D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D019518:Postprandial Period
postprandial hyperglycemia Diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus type 1 diabetes mellitus insulin type 2