Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: In recent years, the technique of ASG has gained much in simplicity, speed and acceptability, using readers more and more reliable. Despite this, some patients do not acquire the skills needed to achieve it. The aim of this study is to evaluate the technical gestures of use of blood glucose readers in current practice.

Material and method: This is a prospective descriptive study including 369 diabetics for over a year, followed in diabetic consultation in Algiers. A questionnaire was drawn up using the following items: frequency of capillary blood glucose checks, blood glucose readers (choice, number of years of use, rhythm of change), modalities of capillary sampling,, The possible impact on daily life.

Results: Of the 369 diabetics we found 17% type 1 and 83% type 2, sex ratio at 1, the average age is 52.6±15.5 years, with a duration of diabetes of 10.3±8 years. More than half are treated with insulin. Their average HbA1c is 8.25±1.8%. Patients have more than two readers in 33.9% of cases, the latter are changed with an average rhythm of 4±2.9 years, 22.36% of patients do not systematically wash their hands before capillary blood glucose, and use of alcohol or other antiseptics is observed in 32.5% of patients, 59.2% use recommended sites for stitching, alternative stitch sites are never used, the regular change of the lancets is observed in 2/3 of the cases and the elimination of the lancets is done with the household waste In 86% of cases.

Conclusion: Learning from the GSM must be included in a therapeutic patient education program, as the Haute Autorité de Santé1 has highlighted, practical workshops will help them to master the GSM and easy use of the blood glucose meters.