The International Hypoglycaemia Study Group (IHSG) grew out of a need to address the challenge of hypoglycaemia in diabetes. Despite significant advances in the medical treatment of diabetes, hypoglycaemia continues to pose a serious problem for many patients and to place limits on glycaemic control. In addition to advancing the scientific understanding of hypoglycaemia, the IHSG seeks to create and disseminate solutions that will improve patients’ lives.
IHSG objectives
The IHSG’s overarching goal is to improve the lives of people with diabetes. To this end, the IHSG will pursue the following key objectives:
- Identify new and emerging issues and insights about hypoglycaemia from within the scientific community
- Formulate a comprehensive scientific communications platform with which to enhance scientific understanding of the facts and figures of hypoglycaemia, as well as its importance as a barrier to optimal glycaemic control at the practitioner and patient levels
The IHSG will engage in a variety of professional scientific communications endeavours (e.g., publications, symposia, continuing medical education) to achieve these objectives.
Key needs in hypoglycaemia
| Current challenges | Corresponding needs |
|---|---|
| Underrecognized problem that deserves increased awareness | Raising awareness across the global healthcare & patient community |
| Rising incidence as patients move closer to their blood glucose targets | Strategies to achieve glucose targets with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia |
| Lack of understanding among health professionals | Strategies and tools to help physicians manage and prevent hypoglycemia |
| Lack of awareness and understanding among patients and care providers | Education to raise awareness, offer realistic strategies, and improve patients’ quality of life |