Conversations and Reactions Around Severe Hypoglycaemia (CRASH) Study: Results of Canadian Adults with Insulin-treated Diabetes and Caregivers

Abstract Objectives The CRASH cross-sectional study was conducted to better understand the severe hypoglycaemia experiences of persons with diabetes (PWD) and caregivers (CGs). Methods Adults with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) and CGs were recruited in 8 countries; Canadian cohort data are reported here. Insulin-treated PWD who reported a severe hypoglycaemic event within the past 3 years and CGs who care for PWD ≥4 years old who met the above criteria were eligible for the study. Participants completed an online survey about their experience with severe hypoglycaemia, its treatment, and actions during and after severe hypoglycaemia. Results Of the 324 respondents, 43% reported discussions about severe hypoglycaemia with a healthcare provider (HCP) at every visit. During the most recent severe hypoglycaemic event, the most common actions taken included ingestion of oral carbohydrates and calling emergency medical services; glucagon was rarely used. Despite many respondents (67%) feeling scared because of the most recent severe hypoglycaemic event, only 55% (51% T1D; 61% T2D) discussed this event with a HCP. The event affected the mood/emotional status, physical activities, and sleep of PWD and CGs. Conclusions Severe hypoglycaemia impacts the emotional and physical status of PWD and CGs. Despite this, many respondents did not report discussions about the most recent severe hypoglycaemic event with HCPs. Furthermore,