Abstract
This qualitative study examines to what extent and why physicans still prescribe self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in patients with non–insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (NITT2D) when the evidence shows it increases cost without improving hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), general well being, or health-related quality of life. Semistructured phone interviews with 17 primary care physicians indicated that the majority continue to recommend routine self-monitoring of blood glucose due to a compelling belief in its ability to promote the lifestyle changes needed for glycemic control. Targeting physician beliefs about the effectiveness of self-monitoring of blood glucose, and designing robust interventions accordingly, may help reduce this practice.
- Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)
- glucose monitoring
- home monitoring
- glucometer
- test strips
- non–insulin-treated type 2 diabetes
- insulin naïve diabetes
- HbA1c
- evidence-based medicine
- Received for publication September 14, 2017.
- Revision received January 25, 2018.
- Accepted for publication February 19, 2018.
- © 2018 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.
