T Ruderman, G Ferrari, F Valeta, M Boti, K Kumwenda, P H Park, G Ngoga, E Ndarama, E Connolly, G Bukhman, A Adler
Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a widely accepted standard of practice for management of insulin-dependent diabetes, yet is largely unavailable in rural sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This prospective cohort study is the first known report of implementation of SMBG in a rural, low-income country setting.
Forty-eight patients with type 1 and insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes were trained to use glucometers and logbooks. Participants monitored preprandial glucose daily at rotating times and overnight glucose once a week. Healthcare providers were trained to evaluate glucose trends, and adjusted insulin regimens based on results. Adherence was measured as the frequency with which patients checked and documented blood glucose at prescribed times, while clinical changes were measured by change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) over a 6-month period.
SMBG is feasible for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes in a rural SSA population, and may be associated with improved HbA1c levels. Despite common misconceptions, all patients, regardless of education level, can benefit from SMBG. Further research on long-term retention of SMBG activities and the benefits of increasing frequency of monitoring is warranted.