Early warning and intervention of nocturnal hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective To investigate risk factors of nocturnal hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,to seek quantitative indicators for early warning,and to evaluate the effects of intervention.Methods 24-h blood glucose of 1147 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with well-controlled hyperglycemia were determined by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS).Incidences of hypoglycemia were compared between groups with different 3 h postprandial blood glucose levels after supper.Results The rates of hypoglycemia,asymptomatic hypoglycemia,and nocturnal hypoglycemia were respectively 37.23％,22.75％,and 18.31％.Nocturnal hypoglycemia set in most frequently by 22:00-2:00 (RR =1.72,x2 =31.667,P＜0.01).The hypoglycemia incidence was reduced in intervention group than that in control group (9.67％ vs 16.76％,x2 =8.79,P ＜0.01).Conclusions Nocturnal hypoglycemia happens commonly in patients with type 2 diabetes.It usually sets in by 22:00-2:00.Appropriate intervention may prevent the hypoglycemic events. Key words: Hypoglycemia;  Continuous glucose monitoring system;  Diabetes mellitus, type 2