Authors : Selwa Elias Yacoub, Miaad Hana Mansur and Yousif Abdul Raheem
Abstract: Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) is an integral part of management of type 2 diabetes mellitus on insulin and oral agents. SMBG is an important adjunct to HbA1c which is a standard assessment of glycemia. To evaluate the effectiveness of frequent use of SMBG on the level of HbA1c among type 2 diabetic patients. Across sectional study had been conducted at the specialized Center of Endocrinology and Diabetes for the period from October 2009 till August 2010. A convenient sample of 126 type 2 diabetic patients attending the center had been enrolled. The participants were classified into 3 groups according to the frequency of using SMBG, the demographic characteristic, Body Mass Index (BMI), duration of diabetes mellitus, line of treatment and the mean level of HbA1c of all participants had been assessed. No statistical differences had been found in the demographic characteristic, BMI duration of diabetes mellitus, line of treatment and the mean level of HbA1c among the three studied groups. Participants of secondary and higher education were more frequently use SMBG. Neither Patients on oral hypoglycemic drugs nor those on a regimen include insulin show differences in their HbA1c in relation to frequency of SMBG use. Use of SMBG regardless of it’s frequency among type 2 diabetic patients was not beneficial to achieve a better glycemic control as monitored by the level of HbA1c, optimization of it’s effectiveness may require advanced facility for better interpretation and response adapted by the patients and doctors.
Selwa Elias Yacoub, Miaad Hana Mansur and Yousif Abdul Raheem, 2011. Effect of Frequent Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose on HbA1c Level Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 5: 145-149.