Self-monitoring
of blood glucose (SMBG) is clearly correlated with increased life
expectancy and quality of life in type 2 diabetic patients.
Objective: The objective of our study was to record and assess
the errors patients make in preparing, performing, and processing
self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Furthermore, the study
aimed to determine to what extent a single standardized SMBG instruction
session in a community pharmacy might reduce the number of patients
making errors or the number of errors per patient.
Methods: Between May and October 2005, SMBG of 462 randomly selected
patients with type 2 diabetes was monitored in 32 pharmacies specialized
in diabetes care. The patients performed blood glucose self-tests
using their own blood glucose meters. Self-testing was monitored
using a standardized documentation sheet on which any error made
during the performance of the test was recorded. If necessary,
patients were instructed in the accurate operation of their meter
and the use of the necessary equipment. Additionally, patients
obtained written instructions. Six weeks later, assessment of
the quality of patient’s SMBG was repeated.
Results: During the first observation, 383 patients (83%) made
at least one mistake performing SMBG. By the time of the second
observation, this frequency had fallen to 189 (41%) (p<0.001).
The average number of mistakes fell from 3.1 to 0.8 per patient.
Mistakes that may potentially have led to inaccurate readings
were initially recorded for 283 (61%) and at study end for 110
(24%) patients (p<0.001).
Conclusion: It is important to periodically instruct type 2 diabetic
patients in the proper SMBG technique in order to ensure accurate
measurements. In this study it was shown that community pharmacies
specialized in diabetes care can provide this service effectively.
