Severe hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia awareness are associated with preclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 1 diabetes without an estimated high cardiovascular risk

Aims To explore the relationship between severe hypoglycemia (SH) and hypoglycemia awareness with preclinical atherosclerosis in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Materials and Methods Cross‐sectional study in patients with T1D without cardiovascular disease (CVD), and with ≥1 of the following: ≥40 years, diabetic kidney disease, or ≥10 years of T1D duration with another risk factor. CVD risk was estimated with the Steno T1 Risk Engine (Steno‐Risk). Carotid plaque was evaluated using standardised ultrasonography protocol. Logistic regression models adjusted for CVD risk factors were constructed to test the independent associations with SH or hypoglycemia awareness assessed by the Clarke questionnaire (Clarke). The inclusion of SH and Clarke in Steno‐Risk was further evaluated. Results We included 634 patients (52.4% men, age 48.3 ± 10.8 years, T1D duration 27.4 ± 11.1 years, 39.9% harbouring plaque). A stepped increase in the presence of plaque according to Steno‐Risk was observed (13.5%, 37.7%, and 68.7%, for low, moderate, and high risk, respectively; p