The Effect of Hypoglycemia on the Production of the High Variety of Arabic Among Saudi Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the impact of hypoglycemia on the production of the high variety of Arabic by Saudi individuals with type 2 diabetes in formal settings, in which it is crucial to use the high variety of Arabic as the low variety is considered inappropriate. Consequently, diabetic patients who struggle to use the high variety, possibly due to health issues, may avoid social interactions, especially in formal settings. However, a search of the literature identified no studies of how hypoglycemia impacts the ability of diabetic patients to use the high variety of Arabic in formal settings. A Qualtrics survey method was employed to collect data from participants. Two versions of a survey were designed: one tailored for type-2 diabetic patients and the other for non-diabetic individuals. The diabetes survey focused on demographics, medical history, and 12 specific formal settings where individuals are expected to use the high variety of Arabic. Similarly, the non-diabetic survey gathered demographic data and responses to the same 12 formal settings that require the high variety of Arabic use. Participants with type-2 diabetes reported experiencing decreased ability to produce the high variety of Arabic in formal settings when their blood sugar levels were low. This study provides evidence that hypoglycemia not only affects the overall health and well-being of diabetic patients but also has significant implications for their language production in formal settings.