Home blood glucose monitoring in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

✍ Scribed by Tomalin, Deborah ;Moyer, Alwyn

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1990
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 438 KB
• Volume: 7
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1357-8170
• DOI: 10.1002/pdi.1960070609

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM), if performed correctly, is potentially the most satisfactory way of monitoring diabetic control. This study describes the prevalence, pattern and performance of HBGM in 171 children, aged 10‐16 years, with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). All children had access to a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) and all but two performed blood tests routinely, with 82% maintaining a record book. Blood tests were found to be adequate in number but failed to cover the ideal spectrum of test points over a one week period. The majority of children were responsible for their own HBGM and 79% altered their insulin without first consulting a doctor or nurse; 28% of those altering insulin did so without parental advice. Only 56% of children performed tests competently; skill was associated with age but not with duration of diabetes. Educational strategies are suggested.