Hypoglycaemia among people with diabetes and their family members
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Hypoglycaemia among people living with diabetes and their family members: A qualitative multi-country online study to explore experiences, wishes, and needs
IRAS ID
276984
Contact name
Frans Pouwer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Past research has consistently shown that hypoglycaemia is associated with a myriad of negative psychosocial outcomes for people living with diabetes (PwD) and their family members (FMs), including reduced quality of life (QoL), depression, anxiety, and diabetes distress. However, previous QoL studies are characterized by methodological issues such as inconsistent use of both generic and diabetes-specific QoL measures. These measures often have significant variations in definitions of QoL, and some measures assess different constructs altogether (e.g., treatment satisfaction). Little is known about the lived experience and impact of hypoglycaemia for PwDs as well as their FMs. Moreover, previous studies have showed that PwDs continue to have difficulties maintaining optimal glycaemic control, which may indicate that their support needs are not being met. Further research is needed in this area.
The purpose of the current study is to explore and summarize the experiences, wishes, and needs of PwD and FMs in relation to hypoglycaemia. Specific aims are: 1) To understand the psychological impacts of hypoglycaemia, in terms of QoL outcomes, among PwD and their FMs; 2) to explore and summarize the support needs of PwD and their FMs, relating to hypoglycaemia; and 3) to inform a large-scale multi-country quantitative survey to follow.
The proposed study is a qualitative multi-national online survey of adolescents and adults with diabetes, and their FMs. The survey will consist of several self-reported demographic and clinical items to characterize the sample, followed by several open-ended questions to explore experiences of hypoglycaemia, QoL, and support/care needs. The study is not experimental and will not involve any invasive or intrusive procedures.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
20/NI/0054
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion