Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine whether people with type 1 diabetes are more likely to self-monitor their blood glucose (SMBG) as recommended by their diabetes health care professional using the Accu-Chek Mobile™ (F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland) monitoring system compared to the Freestyle Optium™ (Abbott, North Chicago, IL, USA). METHODS: Thirty-five participants with type 1 diabetes participating in a randomized cross-over study were assigned to monitor their blood glucose levels for a 3-month period using the Accu-Chek Mobile or the Freestyle Optium monitoring system and then to cross-over to the alternative device. After completion of the 6-month cross-over period, participants were invited to select their meter of choice and were followed for a further 3 months. RESULTS: SMBG frequency increased in both groups but participants monitored significantly more often using the Accu-Chek Mobile meter (frequency SMBG/week median: 19 vs. 10, P = 0.04). After 3 months using each meter, 77% of participants indicated a preference for the Accu-Chek Mobile meter. Monitoring frequency in this group remained higher than baseline during the 3-month post-cross-over follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the Accu-Chek Mobile meter improves SMBG frequency. After experience of both systems, Accu-Chek Mobile was the meter of choice for the majority of participants in this study. FUNDING: Roche Diabetes Care Unconditional Education Grant.