Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of home use of glucometers and its predictive factors.
Methodology: This observational study included 500 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Proportion of patients having a glucometer and using it at least once every fortnight to monitor blood glucose levels was noted. Demographic details, current treatment, smoking history, duration of diabetes mellitus and the presence of target organ damage were also recorded. Fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were checked.
Results: Mean age of the 500 participants was 57.58±10.58 years. Mean HbA1c was 8.71±1.96, with good glycemic control in 112 (22.40%) patients. Most patients (313; 62.60%) had a glucometer. This was more likely amongst males (OR:1.655), those living in urban areas (OR:1.753) and amongst patients using insulin (OR:1.726). Mean HbA1c levels were 8.62±1.94 and 8.85±1.99 in patients with and without glucometer, respectively (p=0.200). There was no difference in patients with and without glucometers who achieved a good glycemic control (22.36% vs 22.46%; p=0.980).
Conclusion: A major bulk of our patients used glucometer at home. This practice was seen in male gender, urban residence, and insulin treatment for diabetes.

Key words: Diabetes Mellitus, Glycosylated haemoglobin, Home Blood Glucose Monitoring, Pakistan.