Published date: Jun 30 2023

Journal Title: Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences

Issue title: Sudan JMS: Volume 18 (2023), Issue No. 2

Pages: 127–138

DOI: 10.18502/sjms.v18i2.13598

Sami Mohamedsamicm@yahoo.comDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Mutasim MukhtarDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Khalid AseedDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Duaa OsmanDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Mujtaba DawelbaitDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Ahmed SaeedDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Nasma AhmedDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Nihal FadulDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Rogia IdrissDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile University, Khartoum North, Sudan

Background: With blood glucose self-monitoring, patients may assess how well their glucose level is controlled, and change their treatment plan as advised by their physicians. The development and increasing availability of different devices that are readily accessible play a significant role in glycemic control and prevention of complications through early recognition with proper practice.

Methods: This observational cross-sectional study includes patients with diabetes attending Khartoum North Diabetes and Endocrinology Hospital and was carried out in April–July 2021 using convenient sampling via questionnaires obtained and filled by data collectors through interviews. Data analysis was done using SPSS software.

Results: Out of 125 patients, 82 had prior basic knowledge about glucose self-monitoring devices. Twenty-four patients were using it regularly, and only seven were using it daily. Fifty-one patients had never used any device before. Fifty-five patients owned a device, and the rest borrowed or used devices available at healthcare centers or clinics, pharmacies, relatives’ or neighbors’ devices. Factors hindering the use of devices included financial difficulties and lack of education. Most frequent users had a stable occupation. Just below half of the patients using devices had good practice techniques with significant association with higher level of education. The rest had poor practice technique that was associated with lower level of education.

Conclusion: Utilization of glucose self-monitoring devices is prevalent among patients with diabetes. However, many challenges require attention to facilitate ongoing self-use with proper practice in line with education and access.

Keywords: diabetes, glucometer, hyperglycemia, self-monitoring, glucose control

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