Endocrine Abstracts

Brief overview: The control of diabetes is a somewhat constant chase, with optimal control being the goal. Indeed, there are many methods marketed claiming to improve control. This is with neglect to the most basic of techniques, blood glucose monitoring. This is highly dependent on individual and parent motivation levels.

Objective: The objective of this study is to answer the question, ‘Does the frequency of blood glucose monitoring affect the control of T1DM in the Paediatric patients of Macclesfield DGH?’

Methods: Retrospective data for age, HbA1c levels, tests/day and preventable admissions was collected and analysed. The main independent variable was based on number of tests using the BA device per day (tests/day). The minimum recommendation for this is four tests/day, and as such patients will be separated by this value. Data were also separated based on groups of patients within NICEs target HbA1c levels of <58 mmol/mol.

Results: 17/82 (21%) patients were performing the recommended minimum of four tests/day. The mean HbA1c for the ≥4 and <4 tests/day groups were 63.94 and 93.90 mmol/mol respectively. This was statistically significant (P≤0.05). 17/82 (21%) patients were below the target set by NICE. Mean number of admissions per patient were 0.12 and 0.51 for HbA1c values of <58 mmol/mol and ≥58 mmol/mol respectively. This was statistically significant (P≤0.05).

Conclusion: Regular blood glucose monitoring reduces HbA1c values and therefore preventable admissions when used correctly. Parent and patient education is a key part of inspiring motivation, potentiating lower HbA1c levels and therefore preventable admissions. Novel methods of control are needed to help overcome social barriers to optimal control.