AUTHOR=Nyandwi Jean Baptiste , Munezero Pierre Celestin , Uwambajimana Charles , Pender Gift Crucifix , Katandula Jonathan , Umumararungu Théoneste , Sinumvayo Jean Paul , Suleiman Ibrahim Eleha , Daba Tolessa Muleta , Kagisha Vedaste , Mukanyangezi Marie Françoise , Adedeji Ahmed Adebowale 

TITLE=Hypoglycemia and associated cardiovascular diseases, morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in university teaching hospitals in Rwanda

JOURNAL=Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences

VOLUME=Volume 28 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/journal-of-pharmacy-pharmaceutical-sciences/articles/10.3389/jpps.2025.14880

DOI=10.3389/jpps.2025.14880

ISSN=1482-1826

ABSTRACT=BackgroundHypoglycemia is a common yet underrecognized complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often linked with increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Despite its clinical importance, there is a limited data on the association between hypoglycemia, CV events, and mortality among T2DM patients in Rwanda. This study investigated the occurrence of hypoglycemia and its association with CV diseases, morbidity, and mortality in T2DM patients attending two university teaching hospitals in Rwanda.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using secondary data from 267 T2DM patients attending Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK) and Butare University Teaching Hospital between 2015 and 2020. Socio-demographic and clinical data, including anti-diabetic medications, hypoglycemia episodes, CV events, and comorbidities, were extracted from medical records and analyzed using Python. Binary regression was used to determine significant predictors of hypoglycemia.ResultsHypoglycemia occurred in 112 (41.9%) patients during their hospitalization or hospital admissions. The use of insulin was significantly associated with hypoglycemia (OR = 1.590, CI: 1.100–2.290, p = 0.010). The mean age of patients who experienced hypoglycemia is 54.2 (±12.1) years. Hypoglycemia occurrence was higher in males (59.8%) group compared to females (40.2%) (p = 0.007). Cardiovascular conditions were common (73.8%), with hypertension being the most prevalent (85.4%). Insulin was the most frequently used anti-diabetic therapy (42.3%). A significant association was found between hypoglycemia and subsequent CV complications. Management of hypoglycemia predominantly involved the use of 50% dextrose solution.ConclusionHypoglycemia is a frequent and clinically significant occurrence among T2DM patients in Rwanda, particularly associated with insulin therapy and CV comorbidities. Enhanced clinical monitoring and individualized treatment regimens are essential to mitigate hypoglycemia-related complications and reduce mortality. It is important to conduct a larger studies to support the evidence based findings and address the current methodological constraints.