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. 2016 Apr 29;4(1):e000134.
doi: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2015-000134. eCollection 2016.

Blood glucose self-monitoring and internet diabetes management on A1C outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes

Nelson Chow  1 , Daniel Shearer  2 , Jessica Aydin Plaa  3 , Betty Pottinger  3 , Monika Pawlowska  4 , Adam White  4 , Hugh D Tildesley  4
Affiliations

Blood glucose self-monitoring and internet diabetes management on A1C outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes

Nelson Chow et al. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. .

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine any correlation between frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), frequency of patient-provider communication of SMBG (reporting), and hemoglobin A1C for patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes solely on oral medications.

Research design and methods: 191 charts of patients with type 2 diabetes treated solely with oral hypoglycemic agents were reviewed retrospectively. A1C, SMBG frequency, and frequency of online communication with an endocrinologist within the most recent 6-month period were used in the analyses. Regression analysis was used to determine correlations to A1C. For subsequent subgroup analysis, patients were separated into infrequent and frequent SMBG groups, defined as those who test on average once or less per day or twice or more per day.

Results: Although testing frequency did not correlate with A1C, higher reporting frequency correlated with lower A1C. Subgroup analysis of the frequent SMBG group showed a significantly lower A1C in frequent reporters when compared to infrequent reporters (N=118, p<0.05). This trend was not observed in the infrequent SMBG group (N=73, p=0.161).

Conclusions: The inverse correlation between reporting frequency and A1C, as well as the significant difference in A1C only for the frequent testers, suggests that frequent SMBG has an effect on reducing A1C only when combined with regular, frequent communication of SMBG with a healthcare provider.

Keywords: A1C; Self Monitoring Blood Glucose; Telemedicine; Type 2 Diabetes.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Linear regression demonstrating (A) a trend of reduced A1C with higher reporting frequency and (B) a trend of increased reporting frequency with testing frequency.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Subgroup comparison of differences in average A1C when reporting more or less frequently, as grouped into (A) infrequent testers and (B) frequent testers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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