Title: Impact of Blood Glucose Monitoring Logs in Conjunction with Food Diaries in Lowering HbA1c in adults aged 18-89 years with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The risk for complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) patients has been associated with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Purpose: To integrate Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) using blood glucose monitoring logs in conjunction with food diaries in the management of T2D with a goal of lowering HbA1c in adults aged 18-89 years with HbA1c > 7.5% over a period of 2 months.

Method: 15 adults aged 18-89 years with HbA1c > 7.5% were enrolled in a primary care clinic setting. Initial HbA1c was checked. Participants were given the Johns Hopkins Patient Guide to Diabetes – Meal and Glucose Log to monitor their blood glucose and diet. Biweekly follow-ups were conducted. At the end of the second month, HbA1c was re-checked. Patient data was collected and entered in SPSS software for analysis.

Results: 10 participants out of 15 returned for the second HbA1c test. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used for analysis. The results were categorized into 3 groups; Action 0 (did not monitor, returned for the second test), Action 1 (monitored, returned for the second test), and Action 2 (partially monitored, returned for the second test). Final mean HbA1cs (%) were 10.2 (+14%), 6.9 (-19%), and 7.5 (-2.5%) respectively.

Conclusion: Consistent monitoring of blood glucose and meals showed a reduction in HbA1c. The number of participants was limited mainly due to stress factors related to the current COVID-19 pandemic.