Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Among Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Descriptive Study

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires continuous self-management, including self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), which is essential for achieving optimal glycemic control. However, effective practice depends on patients’ knowledge, attitude, and behavior, particularly in low-resource settings. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding SMBG among T1DM patients and to explore the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of adequate self-monitoring behavior. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 157 T1DM patients attending the family medicine outpatient clinic at Zagazig University Hospitals from January to March 2025. Data about sociodemographic characteristics and clinical history was recorded. KAP related to SMBG and self-adjustment of insulin doses were assessed by pre-validated questionnaire developed by Krishnan & Thirunavukkarasu. Anthropometric and laboratory data (BMI, HbA1c, cholesterol) were also collected. Results: Inadequate KAP was reported in 64.3% of our study participants A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between KAP scores and HbA1c and total cholesterol levels. Inadequate KAP was more common among patients with higher BMI and lower family income. Multivariate analysis showed that family income status was a significant predictor of inadequate KAP. Conclusion: Despite high rates of follow-up and glucose monitoring practices, gaps in knowledge and self-care behavior persist among T1DM patients. Socioeconomic factors, rather than clinical history alone, were strongly associated with inadequate KAP.