Self‑monitoring of blood glucose and treatment outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients

Objectives. The aim of the study was to evaluate an association between the frequency of blood glucose self‑monitoring (SMBG) and glycemic control assessed by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Patients and methods. A group of 600 type 2 diabetic patients aged 63.4 ±9 years (32 to 85 years) and with a mean diabetes duration of 11.4 ±7.7 years (min. 1 year, max. 38 years) were asked to perform weekly blood glucose self‑monitoring with an 8‑point glucose profile on a chosen day. They were also asked to declare their self‑monitoring frequency. HbA1c levels were measured in all the patients. Results. Most of the patients reported that they performed their SMBG 1–2 times a day (44.3%) or 1–2 times a week (31.8%). All of them measured their blood glucose after an overnight fast and after breakfast. Most patients performed their measurements also after lunch and dinner. Less than 50% of patients did their measurements at night‑time. The mean HbA1c level was 7.45 ±1.08%. Only 20% of patients achieved metabolic control of diabetes recommended by the Polish Diabetic Society (HbA1c <6.5%). No severe hypoglycemia episodes were obsered. Glycated hemoglobin levels did not differ between the SMBG frequency groups. There was no correlation between HbA1c levels and the frequency of self‑monitoring in any group. Conclusions. There was no correlation between the frequency of SMBG and HbA1c, which questions the need for multiple daily measurements of blood glucose in all type 2 diabetic patients.