Blood glucose self-monitoring in non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study of patients' perspectives.
BACKGROUND
Self-monitoring of blood glucose is controversial in the management of type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that self-monitoring improves glycaemic control, whereas other research is sceptical about its value for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin. Although blood glucose meters are widely available and used by this group, patients' own views are absent from the debate.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the pros and cons of glucose monitoring from the patients' perspectives.


METHODS
Qualitative repeat-interview study.


METHODS
Patients were recruited from 16 general practices and three hospital clinics within four local healthcare cooperatives in Lothian, Scotland.


METHODS
Interview data from 40 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the previous 6 months were analysed using thematic analysis informed by grounded theory. We report findings from round 1 and round 2 interviews.


RESULTS
Glucose monitoring can heighten patients' awareness of the impact of lifestyle; for example, dietary choices, on blood glucose levels. Glucose monitoring amplifies a sense of 'success' or 'failure' about self-management, often resulting in anxiety and self-blame if glucose readings remain consistently high. Moreover, monitoring can negatively effect patients' self-management when readings are counter-intuitive.


CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis highlights the importance of understanding the meanings that newly diagnosed patients attach to glucose self-monitoring. To maximise the positive effects of self-monitoring, health professionals should ensure that patients understand the purpose of monitoring and should clarify with patients how readings should be interpreted.
School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham. e.a.peel@aston.ac.uk
Elizabeth
E
Peel
Odette
O
Parry
Margaret
M
Douglas
Julia
J
Lawton
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D001786:Blood Glucose