Type 2 diabetes mellitus: how well controlled in our patients?

Abstract

Significant number of patients (42%) had poor control of diabetes as revealed by HbA1c, with FBG showing poor control in even more patients, i.e., 70%. However their blood glucose estimation was not frequent enough as required. Blood glucose results can be spuriously high and may lead to frequent change/increase in the dose of hypoglycaemic medications. This can lead to poor compliance as well as psychological trauma to patients. HbA1c on the other hand is easy to interpret, reflects long term glycaemic control and cost effective. We recommend its more frequent use along with blood glucose for better glycaemic control and decreased chances of complications.