RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The role of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains inconclusive. As part of the approach to improve glycaemic control in patients with T2DM in Trinidad, the Ministry of Heath distributed free glucometers and strips. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SMBG on glycaemic control and to determine patients behaviors and responses. DESIGN AND METHODS: A large outpatient diabetes clinic was selected for the study where eligible clients were included using a systematic sampling technique. A structured pretested questionnaire was administered to all participants to collect all data including the use of a glucometer. HbA1c was measured, to assess glycaemic control. All data was stored, verified and analyzed with SPSS version 16. RESULTS: Of the 214 participants recruited, 85 (40%) were currently using SMBG. Using an HbA1c of ≤ 7 as an indicator of adequate glycemic control of T2DM, there was a significant difference (p=0.002) between the two groups in reaching this goal. Only 12 (14%) participants in the SMBG group had adequate control, whereas among the non-SMBG group 42 (32.6%) were well controlled. SMBG users felt using the glucometer helped them to achieve their blood sugar targets and were interested in continuing to use it. Most patients tested themselves (78.8%), however only 26.2% ever recorded the results. CONCLUSION: The study showed no direct benefits of self-monitoring of blood glucose in attaining optimal glycaemic control in patients with T2DM.
