[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 indicates that lower income levels are associated with a significantly elevated risk of severe hypoglycemia, with patients in the lowest income group facing up to 2.5 times the risk compared to those in higher income brackets.

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 experienced a 2.5-fold higher risk of severe hypoglycemia compared to those in the highest income group. Patients receiving medical aid for over a year showed a 71% increased risk, while those whose income rose steadily 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)


This association was particularly notable among men, patients not using insulin, those without chronic kidney disease, and individuals with a shorter duration since their diabetes diagnosis.

“Severe hypoglycemia is a life-threatening complication that necessitates emergency treatment and can lead to long-term health decline,” Professor Yun stated. “The fact that lower income levels alone heighten patients’ health risks has significant implications for 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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