OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency and effectiveness of insulin adjustments among patients with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: A sample of 25 patients was assigned to a glucose monitoring group (Group A) or to a urine monitoring group (Group B). Group A performed daily blood glucose monitoring and Group B performed daily urine glucose monitoring, according to established protocols. These protocols were used to construct patients' glycemic profile and therapeutic insulin adjustments. RESULTS: There were 204 and 87 possibilities of insulin adjustments in Group A and Group B, respectively. Group differences show that Group A performed more NPH insulin adjustments in the morning (95 adjustments [46.57%]) than Group B (30 adjustments [34.48%]) (p=0. 03715). Regular insulin adjustments before supper were also performed more by Group A, 22 adjustments (10.84%) than by Group B, 3 adjustments (3.45%) (p=0.02852). In additions, Group A showed better metabolic control (HbA1c = 10.17%) than Group B (HbA1c=12.31%). CONCLUSIONS: Home blood glucose monitoring led to greater number of adjustments, greater number of insulin injections, and better metabolic control.
Blood glucose self-monitoring; Diabetes mellitus, type 1; Insulin
