Can medication packaging improve glycemic control and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes? Results from a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of calendar blister pack (CBP) use on glycemic and blood pressure control. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted an 8-month randomized controlled double-blind study among diabetic patients with poor glucose control (HbA1c >9.0%) in an urban area of South Auckland, New Zealand, with a high proportion of Maori and Pacific Islands people. Subjects included 68 consecutive patients, of whom 50% were prescribed three or more medications per day RESULTS: HbA1c was reduced by 0.95+/-0.22% in the CBP group and 0.15+/-0.25% in the control group (P = 0.026). Diastolic blood pressure decreased 5.8+/-1.5 mm Hg in the CBP group and increased 0.1+/-1.9 mm Hg in the control group (P = 0.0041). Systolic blood pressure did not change significantly CONCLUSIONS: CBPs should be considered among diabetic patients with poor glycemic control receiving multiple medications.