Fear of hypoglycemia is the most commonly reported problem in type 1 diabetes. By definition, hypoglycemia is a state of low blood glucose that is lower than 3,6 mmol/L. It can lead to uncomfortable counter-regulatory symptoms such as headaches, nervousness, weakness sweating, confusion, irritability, sleepiness and dizziness. In worst cases hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures and death.~Unpredictability of episodes of hypoglycemia causes patients with diabetes and their family members to develop symptoms of anxiety and concerns related to hypoglycemia. The acute symptoms affect all fields of every day life and decrease quality of life of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents. In some individuals and their families fear of hypoglycemia can lead to maintaining higher levels of blood glucose, excessive glucose monitoring, sleep deprivation, stress, obsessivity in self control, dependency to others etc.
Acute symptoms of hypoglycemia influence all aspects of every day life and reduce quality of life of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents. Encountering with hypoglycemia can result in fobic fear of low blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes and their parents.