Effects of three frequencies of self-monitored blood glucose on HbA1c and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes with once daily insulin and stable control: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: The optimal frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with stable glycemic control is unknown. This study investigated effects of 3 frequencies of SMBG on glycemic control and quality of life after 9 months in patients using one long-acting insulin injection a day. In an open-label, multi-center, primary-care, parallel (1:1:1) randomized trial in the Netherlands including patients with T2DM, HbA1c ≤ 58 mmol/mol (≤ 7.5%), stable glycemic control, treated with one insulin injection daily, three frequencies of 4-point glucose measurements (before meals and bedtime) were weekly (n = 22), every 2 weeks (n = 16) and monthly (n = 20) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients with T2DM were included by 38 general practitioners, which was lower then anticipated. There were no significant between group differences in HbA1c (mmol/mol); group C compared to A and B; − 2.7 (95% CI − 6.4, 1.0) and − 1.0 (95% CI − 4.9, 3.0) and quality of life. Baring in mind the lower than anticipated inclusion rate, there were no significant differences in HbA1c and quality of life between three different frequencies of SMBG in patients with stable glycemic control using one long-acting insulin injection. Trial registration NCT01460459, registered 10-2011, recruitment between 05-2011 and 12-2011 ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3138-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.