[Hinews] A research team led by Professor Jae-seung Yun at The Catholic University of Korea’s St. Vincent’s Hospital has identified income level as a pivotal factor affecting health outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that patients in the lower income groups faced a heightened risk of hypoglycemia—a condition in which blood sugar drops to dangerously low levels, potentially causing confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness—compared to those with higher incomes.

The study analyzed health data and income trends from approximately 1.85 million patients with type 2 diabetes in South Korea and the United Kingdom, utilizing South Korea’s National Health Information Database (NHID) and the UK Biobank. Patients were divided into four groups based on income levels for comparative analysis. Findings revealed that individuals in the lowest income group had a 2.5-fold higher risk of severe hypoglycemia than those in the highest income group. Patients who had received medical aid for more than a year faced a 71% higher risk, while those whose income steadily increased over the past five years, moving them into higher income brackets, saw a 26% reduction in risk.

(From left) Professor Jae-seung Yun, Department of Endocrinology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea; Dr. Mi-sook Kim, Clinical Instructor, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea; Professor Kyung-do Han, Soongsil University. (Photo courtesy of St. Vincent’s Hospital)
(From left) Professor Jae-seung Yun, Department of Endocrinology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea; Dr. Mi-sook Kim, Clinical Instructor, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea; Professor Kyung-do Han, Soongsil University. (Photo courtesy of St. Vincent’s Hospital)


The association was especially pronounced in men, those not on insulin therapy, patients without chronic kidney disease, and individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes.

“Severe hypoglycemia is a life-threatening complication that necessitates emergency treatment and can lead to long-term health decline,” Professor Yun stated. “Lower income alone was shown to elevate health risks, underscoring the need for improved healthcare access and support policies.”
He added, “This study provides scientific evidence for the need for economic support for low-income patients and tailored treatment strategies based on disease characteristics. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive healthcare beyond mere treatment.”

The findings have garnered attention in the academic community and were recently published in JAMA Network Open, a journal of the American Medical Association.

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