A Study to Understand the Usage of Glucose Meter in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Northern India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant public health challenge in India, with rising prevalence and high risk of complications due to inadequate glycemic control. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) using portable glucose meters is a key component of diabetes self-care, yet its adoption and effectiveness in India remain suboptimal. This study aimed to assess patterns of glucose meter use and its impact on glycemic control among adults with T2DM in Northern India.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between March and August 2023 as part of the Uttar Pradesh-Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (UP-RSSDI) registry. Adult patients (≥18 years) with T2DM attending 22 diverse healthcare sites were enrolled consecutively after informed consent. Participants were classified as glucose meter users or non-users based on self-report. Demographic, clinical, and glycemic parameters were recorded and compared between groups, with adjusted analyses controlling for age, gender, and disease duration.

Results:

Of 2,997 participants, 75.4% reported using a glucose meter. Glucose meter users were older (53.5 ± 11.9 vs. 47.9 ± 12.6 years, P < .001) and had longer T2DM duration (11.4 ± 8.2 vs. 9.2 ± 7.8 years, P < .001) than glucose meter non-users. Adjusted mean HbA1c was significantly lower among glucose meter users compared with glucose meter non- users (7.8 ± 0.1% vs. 9.1 ± 0.1%; P < .001). Similar trends were observed for fasting blood glucose (137.9 ± 1.7 vs. 152.9 ± 2.9 mg/dL; P < .001) and post-prandial levels (223.2 ± 2.5 vs. 286.4 ± 4.3 mg/dL; P < .001). Glucose meter users performed SMBG more frequently in the previous month and reported fewer diabetes-related complications (22.2% vs. 29.5%, P < .001).

Conclusion:

Glucose meter use was associated with better glycemic control and with a lower reported prevalence of diabetes-related complications among adults with T2DM in Northern India. Despite high adoption rates, one-fourth of patients did not use a glucose meter, highlighting the need for enhanced patient education, structured SMBG protocols, and improved accessibility. Integrating SMBG into routine diabetes care could substantially improve outcomes in resource-limited settings.