Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose among Persons Living with Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a critical part of diabetes management. It promotes personal responsibility, provides opportunities for better control and allows for detection of blood glucose extremes, while reducing fluctuations. It also helps both the patient and the provider make informed decisions and potentially reduces complications. Studies have shown that haemoglobin A1c levels are lower if glucose is tested more frequently. Aim: To determine the frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose, among patients living with diabetes mellitus in a tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 85 patients attending the medical outpatient clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in 2023 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using the SPSS version 26. Results: A total of eighty-five (85) patients between the ages of 20 to 80 years were recruited, 34(69%) were females and 26 (31.0%) were males. Of all participants 73.5% owned a glucometer and 26.5% didn't own one. Only 79% performed self-monitoring of blood glucose while 21% did not perform it. Slightly above a quarter checked their blood glucose once daily (26.6%), 13.9% checked more than once a day, 11.4% checked once a week and others checked less frequently. Conclusion: The frequency of practise of self-monitoring of blood glucose was higher (79%) than previous studies. Over a quarter 26.6% checked daily and 13.9% checked more than once a day. Persons living with diabetes mellitus should be encouraged to practise individualised SMBG to achieve better glycaemic control and have better outcomes.