LAUSR

AIMS Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an important self-care activity for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to achieve glycaemic control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of providing SMBG supplies on self-care among patients with uncontrolled T2DM. METHODS This was a six-month, prospective study conducted in two primary care institutions. Patients ≥21 years old with uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c >7.0%) and polypharmacy (≥5 chronic medications) were included. All participants were given a free blood glucometer, test strips, and lancets, and were invited to consult pharmacists to learn about SMBG. The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities questionnaire was administered at baseline and at six months. RESULTS A total of 167 patients were recruited and 150 (89.8%) completed the study. At six months, significant improvements from baseline were observed for overall self-care (+0.58, p=0.008), glycemic control (-0.41%, p<0.001) and all specific self-care activities. The mean change in the SMBG score in all the participants was found to have a strong positive correlation with the mean change in the overall self-care score (rs=0.580, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Provision of SMBG supplies was effective in improving self-care among patients with uncontrolled T2DM, including non-insulin-treated patients.