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Biochemical hypoglycemia in female nurses during clinical shift work
Kayoko Inoue1, Yuko Kakehashi, Suiko Oomori
1Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
Research in Nursing & Health
|March 26, 2004
Summary
Biochemical hypoglycemia, a condition of low blood glucose, affects 10% of female nurses in Japan. This study identified key risk factors, highlighting the need for workplace improvements.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Endocrinology
- Nursing
Background:
- Female nurses in Japan frequently report symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia during work shifts.
- Biochemical hypoglycemia can negatively impact cognitive function, making its prevalence in nurses a critical concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of biochemical hypoglycemia among female nurses in Japan.
- To identify risk factors associated with biochemical hypoglycemia in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 568 female nurses across four hospitals.
- Nurses self-monitored blood glucose levels 12 times across three different work shifts.
- Data analyzed using multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors.
Main Results:
- Ten percent (57 out of 568) of nurses experienced at least one episode of biochemical hypoglycemia (blood glucose ≤3.0 mM).
- Independent risk factors identified were a higher coefficient of variation in blood glucose levels, lower body mass index, and non-smoking status.
- No association was found between subjective hypoglycemic symptoms and objectively recorded biochemical hypoglycemia.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical hypoglycemia is prevalent among female nurses in Japan, occurring independently of reported symptoms.
- Higher blood glucose variability, lower BMI, and not smoking are significant risk factors.
- Further research is recommended to develop strategies for improving the working environment and mitigating hypoglycemia risk for nurses.