Self-monitoring among non-insulin treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Patients' behavioural responses to readings and associations with glycaemic control

Citation

Evans J, Mackison D, Swanson V, Donnan PT, Emslie-Smith AM & Lawton J (2013) Self-monitoring among non-insulin treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Patients' behavioural responses to readings and associations with glycaemic control. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 100 (2), pp. 235-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2013.03.005

Abstract
Aim: To investigate self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) behaviour among non-insulin treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to evaluate associations with glycaemic control. Methods: Eligible patients in 23 GP practices in Tayside, Scotland, were identified (18-75 years, no insulin treatment, SMBG reagent strips dispensed in 2009). Consenting patients were administered questionnaires addressing SMBG behavior: these primary data were record-linked to clinical data (including HbA1c) from a validated population-based diabetes clinical information system, then anonymised. Results: Among 629 eligible patients, 207 were interviewed and analysed. Mean SMBG reagent strips dispensed in 12 months was 268. Eighty (38.8%) patients took no action in response to perceived high test results, or simply checked later. Most (61.3%) did not know what action to take. 126 (61.2%) patients took action, including dietary (n=101), physical activity (n=12) or medication (n=10) changes, or making a HCP appointment (n=12). High score on a Diabetes Knowledge Test was a statistically significant predictor of taking action (odds ratio: 2.07). However, neither taking action nor increased SMBG frequency were associated with improved glycaemic control. Conclusions: Responding to SMBG test results and increased testing frequency were not associated with improved glycaemic control in the short-term. There is a lack of knowledge surrounding SMBG in non-insulin treated patients.

Keywords
Type 2 diabetes; Blood glucose monitoring; Glycaemic control; Diabetes Mellitus

Journal
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice: Volume 100, Issue 2

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Professor Vivien Swanson

Professor, Psychology