Comparison of Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose with HbA1c and Diabetes Complications in Diabetics

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the frequency of measuring blood glucose levels and the complications and regulation of diabetes in patients under follow-up due to diabetes mellitus.

Subjects and Method: This study was conducted via retrospective evaluation of patient files of 951 diabetics (90 with type 1 diabetes and 861 with type 2 diabetes). Patient information including age, gender, height, weight, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, treatment of diabetes, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) value, presence of neuropathy, presence of nephropathy, presence of diabetic foot, presence of hypertension, and frequency of measuring blood glucose levels were recorded. Patients were divided into 3 groups by the frequency of measuring blood glucose levels, where those who measured blood glucose levels a total of 8 times for at least two days a week were assigned to group 1, those who measured blood glucose levels less than 8 times for less than two days a week were assigned to group 2, and those who measured blood glucose levels 8 times in the 2 days prior to the control visit, who had previously measured blood glucose levels in an irregular manner were assigned to group 3.

Results: Of the patients, 548 were females and 403 were males, with a mean age of 58.12±13.17 years. There was a significant difference in the parameters of HbA1c (p <0.001) and the duration of diabetes (p <0.001) between the groups. There was a significant difference between the frequency of measuring blood glucose levels and type of diabetes (p <0.001), treatment of diabetes (p <0.001), presence of retinopathy (p <0.001), presence of nephropathy (p <0.001) and presence of hypertension (p <0.001).

Conclusion: Using accurate measurement techniques and reliable glucometers, blood glucose measurement allows patients to diagnose and manage diabetes, as well as helps to prevent the complications associated with diabetes.