Prevalence of Different Types of Barriers to the Use of Glucometer in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a very useful method for patients with diabetes to maintain glycaemic control. Different types of barriers in glucometer use of diabetic patients include the high cost of strips, pain, lack of knowledge and motivation, need of assistance and lack of inventory supplies of glucometer. The purpose of the study was to access the prevalence of different types of barriers to the use of glucometer in diabetic patients. A prospective observational study involving 150 diabetic patients was conducted at a Dakshina Kannada from January 2021 to June 2021. The study was conducted among patients of both gender having Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. A total of 150 patients participated in our study qualifying the inclusion criteria. The main factors influencing the glucometer use was related to its cost, pain, lack of knowledge and supply. The barriers found were mainly the cost of the strips, fear for needles, pain, lack of knowledge and motivation, need of assistance and lack of inventory supplies of glucometer. Participants insight to the purpose of glucometer use, complexity, cost, pain related to glucometer as well as educating, catering knowledge and motivation were the key factors taken care by the health care professionals while advising the patients having diabetes mellitus with SMBG. Key words: Self-monitoring blood glucose level (SMBG), Diabetes mellitus (DM).