Determinants of self-monitoring of blood glucose with type 2 diabetes based on 496 questionnaire surveys in China

The purpose of the study was to investigate the current status quo of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) levels and to analyze the relationship between demographics and other characteristics of SMBG among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in China. In this multicenter, cross-sectional study, 496 individuals with T2D from five provinces across China voluntarily participated in the study and completed a standardized questionnaire that requested information on demographic data, clinic-related information, and glucose monitoring. Data was obtained via face-to-face interviews. Negative binomial regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with SMBG. Of the total sample, 99 (20.0%) participants had never performed SMBG and/or less than once. We found that 104 participants (21.0%) had tested just once. In addition 119 people (24.0%) had tested twice, 89 (18.0%) had tested between three and six times, and 85 participants (17.1%) had tested more than seven times in a week. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis found that the patients that had high monitoring frequencies were those with URBMI, UEBMI, and GMI insurance; those who had previously experienced complications; inpatients; and those with a knowledge of HbA1c testing. The frequency of SMBG was suboptimal, compared with the once prior to each meal recommendation by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Several factors influenced SMBG frequency: types of health insurance, complications, impatience, and knowledge of HbA1c.