PREVALENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE OF ROUTINE BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING IN UNCONTROLLED TYPE 2 DIABETICS PRESENTING AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

J Peop Univ Med Health Sci. 2025:15(3), 44-54. http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2025/15.03.657

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An important part of managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is self
monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). The current study aimed to evaluate the frequency of routine
SMBG non-compliance in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This cross
sectional study was carried out from July to December 2024 at the Hayatabad Medical Complex's
Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology in Peshawar. 294 individuals with uncontrolled type 2
diabetes were included in the study. Based on adherence to the SMBG, participants were divided into
groups that were compliant and those that were not. Structured questionnaires and medical records
were used to gather information on demographics, disease features, SMBG practices, and clinical
outcomes (diabetes ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy). SPSS
version 26.0 was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of 294 participants, 171 (58.2%) were
non-compliant with SMBG. Non-compliance was significantly associated with higher incidence of
diabetic ketoacidosis (p = 0.002), severe hypoglycemia (p = 0.004), neuropathy (p = 0.003),
retinopathy (p = 0.001), and nephropathy (p < 0.001). Lower education level and income were also
significantly linked to non-compliance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Non-compliance with routine
SMBG is prevalent among uncontrolled T2DM patients and is associated with significantly higher
rates of acute and chronic complications. Targeted educational and economic interventions are
urgently needed.