Novo Nordisk study shows NHS burden caused by hypoglycaemia

Novo Nordisk has announced the findings of a new study that shows the considerable financial burden that managing hypoglycaemia in the UK causes for the NHS.

The economic burden of hypoglycaemia, calculated using the company's Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool, has been estimated at 363.6 million pounds per year. Hypoglycaemic episodes in adults that require NHS resources cost up to 2,195 pounds, rising substantially with an extended stay in hospital.

This is a potentially major issue, as it is one of the most common short-term diabetic complications. Type 1 diabetes patients experience approximately two non-severe episodes per week, while insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes suffer around one non-severe episode every fortnight.

Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood glucose levels fall to lower than normal levels, causing debilitating and often dangerous symptoms.

Kamlesh Khunti, professor of primary care diabetes and vascular medicine at the University of Leicester, said: "It is clear from the results of this study that people with diabetes often do not recognise and report episodes of hypoglycaemia."

Diabetes is Novo Nordisk's core focus area. Earlier this month, the firm announced that it will be discontinuing its inflammation research efforts in order to increase its focus on diabetes.