Real-World Hypoglycemia in Older Adults with Diabetes
Friday, June 23, at 3:45 p.m. PT
Room 23
San Diego Convention Center
Presentation: Real-World Epidemiology and Diverse Impacts of Hypoglycemia in Older Adults with Diabetes
Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing, PhD
Epidemiologist,
Western University
What is your presentation about?
During my session, we’ll deep dive into the epidemiologic literature on hypoglycemia among older adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus taking insulin and/or secretagogues.
What makes this topic important in 2023?
Hypoglycemia is a dangerous and common adverse effect of insulin and secretagogues, especially among older adults for whom the risk and impacts of events may be intensified. An accurate understanding of the real-world epidemiologic burden of iatrogenic hypoglycemia in older adults with diabetes is imperative to guiding sound clinical and public health interventions—especially as the U.S. population ages.
How did you become involved with this area of diabetes research or care?
My research on hypoglycemia dates back to 2015 with the launch of the Canadian InHypo-DM study. Since then, I’ve led numerous real-world epidemiologic investigations on hypoglycemia, including the iNPHORM (U.S.) and TALK-HYPO (global) studies. Always, my priority is to amplify the voices of people with diabetes and their lived experiences—let’s never forget they’re the true experts!
How do you think your presentation will impact diabetes research or care?
My aim is to draw heightened awareness of the oft hidden perils of insulin and secretagogue use among older adults with diabetes. In so doing, my hope is to galvanize necessary improvements to preventive action in standard professional practice that duly optimizes both the effectiveness and safety of diabetes care.
What are you most looking forward to at the 83rd Scientific Sessions?
Connecting, sharing, learning, and ideating across disciplines about a future with less hypoglycemia!