Patient and Caregiver Preference Ranking of Glucagon Treatment for Severe Hypoglycaemia from Spain: Results from a Discrete Choice Experiment

Objectives In alignment with the ADA and EASD, treatment decisions should be made collaboratively between patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). The study was designed to understand experiences and opinions of people with T1DM, or insulin-treated T2DM, and caregivers (CGs) to inform preference ranking for rescue treatment with glucagon for severe hypoglycaemia (SH).

Methods A literature review specific to glucagon was conducted to inform focus group (FG) interviews with people with diabetes (PWD) and CGs. FG explored key characteristics related to rescue treatment for SH. Participants individually ranked characteristics of rescue treatment with glucagon in order of relative importance. Four FG were conducted in-person in Spain in October 2019; two with PWD (N=16) and two with CGs (N=16). Quantitative survey results are underway.

Results Overall, mean age (SD) was 44 (13), 75% of patients experienced SH, and 38% had been treated or had treated someone with glucagon. Most participants (81%) had T1DM or were a CG of T1DM. Characteristics ranked highest (1,2, or 3) by most participants (25-59%) included: ‘easy to prepare/simple instructions’, ‘easy to use/administer’, ‘fast’, ‘easy storage/non-refrigerated’, and ‘easy to transport’. Additional characteristics included: ‘returning to a normal glucose level’ (22%), ‘effective’ (19%), ‘preparation time’ (19%), and ‘injectable’ (16%).

Conclusion Results suggest that PWD and CGs value a glucagon rescue treatment that is fast, easy to prepare and use in a stressful situation, and easy to store and transport. HCPs should be respectful of and responsive to the glucagon treatment preferences of PWD and CGs when providing patient-centered care.

Publication History

Article published online:
06 May 2021