title: Blood glucose self-monitoring and internet diabetes management on A1C outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine any correlation between frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), frequency of patient-provider communication of SMBG (reporting), and hemoglobin A1C for patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes solely on oral medications.
  
  
  METHODS
  191 charts of patients with type 2 diabetes treated solely with oral hypoglycemic agents were reviewed retrospectively. A1C, SMBG frequency, and frequency of online communication with an endocrinologist within the most recent 6-month period were used in the analyses. Regression analysis was used to determine correlations to A1C. For subsequent subgroup analysis, patients were separated into infrequent and frequent SMBG groups, defined as those who test on average once or less per day or twice or more per day.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although testing frequency did not correlate with A1C, higher reporting frequency correlated with lower A1C. Subgroup analysis of the frequent SMBG group showed a significantly lower A1C in frequent reporters when compared to infrequent reporters (N=118, p<0.05). This trend was not observed in the infrequent SMBG group (N=73, p=0.161).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The inverse correlation between reporting frequency and A1C, as well as the significant difference in A1C only for the frequent testers, suggests that frequent SMBG has an effect on reducing A1C only when combined with regular, frequent communication of SMBG with a healthcare provider.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry , University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia , Canada.
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia , Canada.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shearer
authors.affiliation: Endocrine Research Society , Vancouver, British Columbia , Canada.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aydin Plaa
authors.affiliation: Endocrine Research Society , Vancouver, British Columbia , Canada.
authors.forename: Betty
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pottinger
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pawlowska
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Hugh D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Tildesley
keywords: A1C; Self Monitoring Blood Glucose; Telemedicine; Type 2 Diabetes