Patients With Diabetes Using a New Glucose Meter With Blood Sugar Mentor and Dynamic Color Range Indicator Features Show Improved Interpretation and Willingness to Act on Blood Glucose Results (ASCEND Study)

BACKGROUND

We examined whether dynamic color range indicator (DCRI) and blood sugar mentor (BSM) features in a new blood glucose meter could improve interpretation of results and encourage patient action.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty three people with type 2 (T2D) (n = 73) or type 1 diabetes (T1D) (n = 60) evaluated information first without and then with DCRI or BSM guidance using interactive exercises.

RESULTS

Subjects improved their ability to categorize results into low, in range, or high glycemic ranges by 29% (T2D) and 22% (T1D) (each P < .001). There was significantly greater willingness to act on high and low results shown with DCRI or BSM screens. Subjects also expressed a high degree of satisfaction with these features.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of DCRI and BSM in this meter may help patients improve their diabetes management decisions.

Healthcare Professional Perceptions of Blood Glucose Meter Features That Support Achievement of Self-Management Goals Recommended by Clinical Practice Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Blood glucose meters remain an effective tool for blood glucose monitoring (BGM) but not all meters provide the same level of insight beyond the numerical glucose result.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate healthcare professional (HCP) perceptions of four meters and how these meters support the achievement of self-management goals recommended by diabetes clinical practice guidelines.

METHODS

Three hundred and fifty-three HCPs from five countries reviewed the features and benefits of four meters using interactive webpages and then responded to statements about the utility of each meter and ranked each meter in terms of clinical value.

RESULTS

Meter D ranked significantly higher in terms of clinical utility for all 13 guideline questions (70%-84%, P < .05) compared to other meters. Endocrinologists (69%-85%), primary care physicians (PCP; 63%-80%), and diabetes nurses (DN; 80%-89%) consistently ranked meter D highest for all guideline questions. DNs ranked selected questions significantly higher compared to PCPs (8 of 13) or endocrinologists (3 of 13; P < .05). Meter D achieved strong endorsement from HCPs in France and Germany, followed by the United States and Canada, with comparatively lower responses from Italian HCPs (P < 0.05). With respect to self-management, 80% of HCPs selected meter D as their first choice for patients with type 1 diabetes to help patients improve diabetes management or understand their numbers to help them stay in range.

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs had strong preference for a meter providing additional insights, messages, and guidance direct to the patient to support achievement of self-management goals recommended by diabetes clinical practice guidelines.