Fear of Hypoglycemia: Quantification, Validation, and Utilization

Diabetes CarePublished 1 September 1987

Daniel J. Cox, Audrey Irvine, Linda Gonder‐Frederick, George Nowacek, John Butterfield

DOI10.2337/diacare.10.5.617

Source URL

Citations579

SJR quartileQ1

SJR score6.57

SNIP4.85

TL;DR

Preliminary reliability and validity data on a psychometric instrument designed to quantify hypoglycemic fear survey are presented, found to have internal consistency and test-retest stability, to covary with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin and to be sensitive to a behavioral treatment program designed to increase awareness of hypoglycemia.

Abstract

Hypoglycemia can lead to various aversive symptomatic, affective, cognitive, physiological, and social consequences, which in turn can lead to the development of possible phobic avoidance behaviors associated with hypoglycemia. On the other hand, some patients may inappropriately deny or disregard warning signs of hypoglycemia. This study presents preliminary reliability and validity data on a psychometric instrument designed to quantify this fear: the hypoglycemic fear survey. The instrument was found to have internal consistency and test-retest stability, to covary with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin, and to be sensitive to a behavioral treatment program designed to increase awareness of hypoglycemia.

Keywords

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