Severe hypoglycemia as a preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Glucose-lowering medication and lifestyle modification are essential for optimal glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, glucose-lowering agents, particularly insulin and insulin secretagogues, may cause hypoglycemia, which has multiple negative effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system and may cause death. Previous studies using institutional data from the Korean Nationwide Health Insurance database have consistently found a causal relationship between severe hypoglycemia and CV outcomes and mortality. Screening for high-risk patients, appropriate management, and intensive individualized education are the most effective measures and essential for the prevention of harmful hypoglycemic events. Based on identified risk factors that predict severe hypoglycemia, we developed an 1-year risk prediction model for severe hypoglycemia that can be used in clinical settings. In this review, we describe the current understanding of severe hypoglycemia and the clinical implications in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of intensive individualized education for high-risk patients and the risk prediction model to reduce severe hypoglycemia.