Intensified glucose self-monitoring with education in Saudi DM patients

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of intensified SMBG with patient education on DM patients at the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. 60 poorly controlled adult type 1 and 2 DM patients (30 intervention; 30 control) were included in this 4-month case-control study. All patients were subjected to the same educational program at baseline. Controls were followed up after 3 months. The intervention group was followed monthly. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and lipid profile levels were the main outcome measures. The intervention arm showed significant reduction in the post-fasting glucose (P<0.001) and HbA1c (P<0.001) levels as well as a significant increase in glucose testing (P<0.001) than pre-levels. Both post-fasting glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly lower in the intervention arm than the control arm (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). The intervention group also showed higher improvement in knowledge, attitude and behavior than the controls (P<0.001). Short duration of structured periodic SMBG with patient education significantly improved glycemic control in all DM patients, regardless of the type or mode of treatment. It facilitated timely and aggressive treatment modification and encouraged patient self-care behavior.