Abstract
Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder. Factors affecting glycemic control including insulin regimen and glucose monitoring are important aspects in management of this disease.
Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between glycemic control measured as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and insulin regimen in children and adolescents with T1DM.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study looking into SMBG and insulin regimens among children and adolescents diagnosed with T1DM in King Abdulaziz University Hospital.
Results: The study population was composed of (n=230) patients. The mean level of HbA1c was 8.79 +/- 2.58%. The majority of patients (98.6%) were on intensive insulin therapy. Most frequently used (84.5%) type of insulin regimen was the intermediate plus short acting insulin. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between various factors such as gender, age, type of insulin, SMBG, nor glucose correction with glycemic control.
Conclusion: SMBG and intensive insulin therapy were suggested in literature as predictors of well-controlled T1DM. However, in our Saudi population, the results were not statistically significant enough to make such an association. Nevertheless, it is good practice to emphasize the value of SMBG and regular insulin injections in improving diabetic care.