The Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II
What is the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II?
The HFS-II is the most widely used questionnaire to measure the emotional and behavioral impact of hypoglycemia in people living with diabetes and their family members. The reliability and validity of the survey has been demonstrated in dozens of scientific studies.
Versions of the HFS-II are available for:
Adults with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes who use insulin
Partners of adults with diabetes
Children/youth with type 1 diabetes
Parents/caretakers of children and youth with type 1 diabetes
There are currently more than 70 translations of the HFS-II for adults and several translations of the pediatric versions.
Why measure fear of hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is the most common acute side effect of taking insulin or other glucose-lowering medications to control diabetes. Even at mild levels hypoglycemia can have aversive consequences including unpleasant symptoms and disruptions in ongoing activities. At more severe levels, if not treated adequately, hypoglycemia can be life threatening. Hypoglycemia and its symptoms (mood changes, reduced motor capabilities, and confused thinking) can place the individual and others in dangerously compromising situations, and may lead to social or occupational embarrassment. For these reasons, individuals with diabetes (and their family members) may come to fear episodes of hypoglycemia and their potentially negative consequences. This fear of hypoglycemia (FoH) can have a negative impact on quality of life and diabetes management. From the perspective of the person with diabetes and their families, reducing FoH is an important outcome. One goal of research investigating new diabetes medications/insulins, educational programs, and technologies is to reduce FoH.