QT Interval Abnormalities in Sulfonylurea Treated Type 2 Diabetes: Relationship to Treatment Induced Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia is the most common acute complication of diabetes and can limit therapeutic efforts to improve glycaemic control. It is a potential side effect of drugs used to treat diabetes, particularly with the use of sulfonylurea (SU) treatment. It has been demonstrated that hypoglycaemia causes the prolongation of corrected QT (QTc) interval, which is associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Hypoglycaemia in T2DM has recently come into focus with the results of the ACCORD, ADVANCE and VADT trials. In this study, the investigators aim to examine the association of hypoglycaemia and glucose fluctuations on QT-interval and QT variability in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with SU. Patients will be studied using simultaneous Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter). Study participants will be recruited from the Diabetes Centre, RPAH or from specialist consulting rooms. They will be required to attend the Diabetes Centre on two occasions. At the first visit, blood will be collected and CGM and Holter monitoring commenced. At Visit 2, i.e. two days later, the patient will return to the Diabetes Centre to have the equipment removed. The data obtained from the CGM and Holter monitor will then be downloaded for review and analysis.