Fear of hypoglycemia—An underestimated problem

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) is a phenomenon that affects people with diabetes experiencing hypoglycemia. On the one hand, FOH is an adaptive mechanism that helps to protect patients from hypoglycemia and its consequences. On the other hand, the non‐normative level of FOH causes anxiety and tension, disturbs normal functioning, and makes normoglycemia maintenance difficult. Objective The main objective of this review was to describe factors influencing FOH and methods of measurement of FOH levels. Moreover, we highlighted the impact of the new technologies used in diabetes therapy on FOH and different therapeutic possibilities helping patients cope with excessive levels of FOH. We also presented clinical cases of patients with high FOH levels met in clinical practice and discussed methods to better diagnose and assist people with this kind of problem. Methods We searched for studies and articles via PubMed using the keywords fear of hypoglycemia, diabetes, and hypoglycemia. From screened documents identified from literature search, 67 articles were included in our review. Results We divided results from literature screening into five parts: fear of hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia definition, risk factors for the FOH, methods of measuring levels of FOH, therapies for the FOH, and modern technologies. We also described clinical examples of abnormal fear of hypoglycemia in patients. Conclusion The review highlights the importance of taking into consideration fear of hypoglycemia phenomenon in diabetic patients in everyday clinical practice.

Keywords

• anxiety
• diabetes
• fear of hypoglycemia
• hypoglycemia