Self-monitoring of blood glucose among type-2 diabetes patients in Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Background: Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) has become a more common practice among type-2 diabetes patients, but there is limited information available regarding the patients’ practice and knowledge of SMBG. Objective: To assess patients’ practice in terms of timing, frequency, performance and utilization of blood glucose value from SMBG as well as the relationship between patients’ SMBG knowledge and demographic characteristics. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 285 outpatients at the University Malaya Medical Centre of Malaysia from November 2006 to February 2007. Results: Education level and ethnics were significantly associated with reading of the user manual. Age had no significant influence in patients’ SMBG knowledge. Conclusion: More education programs pertaining to SMBG should be carried out, especially for patients with low education.