For people with diabetes, detection of hypoglycemic symptoms is a critical tool for the recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia. This is not a simple process involving only the occurrence of a hypoglycemic-relevant physiological event, such as sweating. We propose a four-step biological and psychological model that leads to the accurate recognition of hypoglycemia through symptoms. The model illustrates both the chronic and transient modifiers that can enhance and interfere with recognition of hypoglycemia. Three common methods are used to investigate the occurrence and utility of hypoglycemic symptoms that relate to this model. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, providing previously unpublished illustrative data. The field study hit/false alarm approach was shown to be the most useful method. The relevance of this model and data to the concept of hypoglycemic awareness/unawareness and blood glucose awareness training is discussed.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Behavioral Diabetes Series|
February 01 1993
Perceived Symptoms in the Recognition of Hypoglycemia
Daniel J Cox, PHD;
Daniel J Cox, PHD
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Charlottesville, Virginia
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
Search for other works by this author on:
Linda Gonder-Frederick, PHD;
Linda Gonder-Frederick, PHD
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Charlottesville, Virginia
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
Search for other works by this author on:
Basim Antoun, MD;
Basim Antoun, MD
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Charlottesville, Virginia
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
Search for other works by this author on:
Philip E Cryer, MD;
Philip E Cryer, MD
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Charlottesville, Virginia
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
Search for other works by this author on:
William L Clarke, MD
William L Clarke, MD
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Charlottesville, Virginia
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
Search for other works by this author on:
Address Correspondence and Reprint Requests to Daniel J. Cox, Behavioral Medicine Center, Drawer F, Blue Ridge Hospital, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22901.
Citation
Daniel J Cox, Linda Gonder-Frederick, Basim Antoun, Philip E Cryer, William L Clarke; Perceived Symptoms in the Recognition of Hypoglycemia. Diabetes Care 1 February 1993; 16 (2): 519–527. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.16.2.519
Download citation file: