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.