Blood Glucose Monitoring and Its Determinants in Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shandong, China.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the status of blood glucose monitoring and its determinants in diabetic patients in Shandong Province, China.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted from 31 August to 12 October 12, in Shandong Province. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to select participants. A total of 2183 diabetic patients were included in the analysis. Frequencies and proportions were used to describe the data, and multiple binary logistic regressions were performed to determine factors associated with blood glucose monitoring.

RESULTS: Of the participants, 51.4% tested their blood glucose level more than once a month. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that seven variables were significantly associated with the frequency of blood glucose monitoring: education level, residence, household income, self-reported health, physical examination, anti-diabetic drug or insulin injection, and comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS: The level of blood glucose monitoring among diabetic patients in Shandong Province is low. Based on these results we recommend that the cost of blood glucose monitoring by professionals in laboratories be reimbursed or at least reduced and that diabetic patients be encouraged to undergo regular physical examinations.