Hypoglycemia experience and pharmacist counseling among Libyan patients with diabetics mellites: a cross-sectional study

Hypoglycemia is an important treatment-related complication of diabetes and requires prompt recognition and appropriate self-management. Evidence from Libya on patients' hypoglycemia experience and the counseling they receive is limited. To describe self-reported hypoglycemia experience, diabetes treatment patterns, pharmacist counseling, and satisfaction with pharmacy services among adults with diabetes in southern Libya. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey in primary healthcare settings in southern Libya from March to April 2025. Libyan adults aged 18 years or older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were engaged by convenience sampling. Of 250 individuals approached, 208 completed the structured questionnaire (response rate 83.2%). Data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Participants were predominantly older than 45 years (64.9%), 52.4% were women, and 75.0% had type 2 diabetes. Overall, 83.2% reported having experienced hypoglycemia at least once according to the questionnaire categories. 51.9% reported insulin-containing regimens, and 18.8% reported sulfonylurea-containing regimens. At least one comorbidity was reported by 74.0%. Pharmacist counseling was more frequently reported for medication use/adherence (61.1%) and healthy eating (51.9%) than for managing sudden hypoglycemia (25.0%) or adjusting insulin/oral agents (24.5%). Despite these counseling gaps, 74.0% were satisfied or highly satisfied with pharmacy services. Self-reported hypoglycemia experience was common in this Libyan study, while hypoglycemia-specific counseling was reported less often than general medication and lifestyle advice.