Impact of hypoglycemia on the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus depending on the treatment
Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(4), 43-49.
N. Kostadinov1, M. Obreikova2
1Faculty of Medicine
2Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, „Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov“ Burgas State University
Abstract. The aim of the present article is to investigate the impact of hypoglycemia on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with different groups of antidiabetic drugs. The review highlights that hypoglycemia is a common and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus that compromises glycemic control and impairs the patient physical, emotional, and social well-being. The study found that the risk and severity of hypoglycemic episodes varied depending on the therapy used. GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors show the most favorable profile in terms of safety and psychological tolerability, while insulin treatment is associated with a higher risk of severe hypoglycemia and more pronounced fear limiting daily activities. The possibilities for systematic follow-up and timely intervention in hypoglycemic episodes, as well as the long-term effects on psycho-emotional health, remain unexplored. Future efforts should focus on personalized approaches, integration of new monitoring technologies and targeted support – educational, psychological and social. This will allow more effective prevention, better control of hypoglycemia and, most importantly, a more fulfilling and dignified daily life for people living with diabetes. Future perspectives include the development of individualized approaches to therapy that balance glycemic control with minimal risk of hypoglycemia, the application of current innovative technologies for blood glucose monitoring, integrated educational programs, and behavioral interventions. This would contribute to a better control of the disease, increase the quality of life and reduce morbidity, as an important step in the direction of protecting human health through prevention, treatment and modern diagnostics.
Key words: hypoglycemia, quality of life, diabetes mellitus, glycemic control
Address for correspondence: Nikolay Kostadinov, e-mail: n.kostadinov_m.d@abv.bg