Self monitoring of blood glucose and its association with glycaemic control and lipid levels in type 2 diabetic patients aged 40 - 75 in Trinidad and Tobago

This study was done to assess whether self monitoring of blood glucose is associated with better glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic Trinidadians. Data was collected from 146 type 2 diabetics via interviews and medical files. Variables extracted included fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and lipid profile. Recent users of the glucometer had better glycemic control compared with longstanding users (HbA1c: 8.4% ± 0.28% vs 9.4% ± 0.62%). Diabetics using a glucometer for >11 years had the highest cholesterol (234 ± 27mg/dL) while those using it 6 months to 5 yrs had the lowest values (206 ± 8 mg/dL). Using the glucometer occasionally or once a week had little impact on these indices. Usage of insulin preparation was positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.295; p = 0.001) while those relying on oral hypoglycaemic agents showed a negative correlation (r = -0.265). Further, those who took their medication as prescribed had a lower HbA1c than those who took their medication occasionally. Ironically, HbA1c fell with increasing duration between clinic visits with those visiting annually having the lowest HbA1c (9.0% ± 0.2% vs 7.1% ± 0.7%). Compliance with lifestyle and exercise resulted in lower HbA1c and blood lipids. Poor client education on glucometer usage, administration of insulin and non-compliance with diet and exercise were associated with higher HbA1c.