Improved Glycemic Control in Intensively Treated Type 1 Diabetic Patients Using Blood Glucose Meters With Storage Capability and Computer-Assisted Analyses

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect on glycemic control in intensively treated type 1 diabetic patients using a blood glucose meter with storage capability and computer-assisted analyses. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Glycemic control was assessed in 22 intensively treated adults with type 1 diabetes for 12 months while using a meter without memory, followed by 12 months while using a meter with memory. Log books were used to assist patients in managing aspects of the diabetes treatment plan during the first 12-month period, and computer-assisted analyses were used when the meter with memory was used. GHb levels were measured monthly throughout the 24 months of observation. RESULTS The mean GHb level averaged across all patients during the period of memory meter use (6.4%) was significantly lower than that during the period of meter use without memory (6.9%) (P = 0.0004). The change in GHb levels from each period-specific baseline level occurred at significantly different slopes (P = 0.046) when adjusted for baseline GHb level. In addition, the downward trend in GHb level was greater in those patients who increased the frequency of testing the most (r = −0.54, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Use of a meter with memory in conjunction with computer-generated analyses of stored blood glucose test results can lead to improved glycemic control when used by a group of intensively treated adult diabetic patients. Improvement in glycemic control was related to frequency of blood glucose testing.