Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Risk factors for severe hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetic patients admitted to hospital in Piraeus, Greece
A Sotiropoulos1, E A Skliros, C Tountas
1Third Medical Department and Diabetes Clinic, General Hospital of Nikaea, Piraeus, Greece. eskliros@otenet.gr
Abstract:
A 3-year study assessed the prevalence and causes of severe treatment-related hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients admitted to hospital in Piraeus. Out of the 2858 patients admitted, 207 (7.2%) had severe hypoglycaemia: 72 were being managed with insulin, 132 oral hypoglycaemic drugs and 3 combined insulin/oral drugs. Only 28.5% of patients were attending a diabetes clinic. The cause of the hypoglycaemic attack could be determined for 86.1% of cases; 30.8% were due to a missed meal. Interviews showed that education and level of knowledge about diabetes mellitus, and particularly hypoglycaemia symptoms, was inadequate. Logistic regression analysis showed that knowledge about diabetes mellitus correlated with educational status and with follow-up in a diabetes clinic.
Related Concept Videos
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Hyperglycemia
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus