Abstract
BackgroundDespite advances in diabetes management, the reporting and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) remains fundamental. While previous work has established that the misreporting of SMBG to family and medical professionals is surprisingly common, the motivations behind this behaviour have never been examined. We aimed to investigate the motivations behind misreporting of SMBG in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).MethodsFifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents (aged 12–19 inclusive) with T1DM recruited through diabetes clinics across the Otago/Southland region of New Zealand from November 2015 to January 2016. These were transcribed and content analysis performed to identify themes and subthemes in misreporting behaviour.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 15.7 years, 60 % were male, with 67 % using multiple daily insulin injections, and 33 % on insulin pumps. Their median HbA1c was 84 mmol/mol, range 52–130. Misreporting behaviour was described for both electronic pump records and written logbooks, as well as verbally. Multiple motivations for misreporting were given, spanning three major themes: Achieving potential benefits; the avoidance of negative consequences; and the avoidance of worry/concern (in self or in others). The main suggestion of participants to reduce misreporting behaviour was to reduce the negative reactions of others to suboptimal blood glucose readings.ConclusionElectronic, written, and verbal SMBG misreporting remains common. This study provides deeper insight into the motivations leading to this behaviour in adolescents, suggesting that further understanding and attention to this aspect of adherence may lead to improvements not only in glycaemic control and safety, but also to the psychological wellbeing of those with T1DM.
Highlights
Despite advances in diabetes management, the reporting and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) remains fundamental
Considering how common, and important SMBG is to health and safety in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), there are few studies examining misreporting, in children
Understanding what motivates this behaviour may lead to opportunities to decrease its impact, as well as provide increased support to people struggling with this complex illness. This seems relevant in the adolescent age group, a time of significant developmental, social and behavioural change, as well as a time where non-adherence in general is prevalent [10]. With these factors in mind, this study aimed to investigate the motivations behind misreporting of blood glucose levels in adolescents with T1DM
Summary
Despite advances in diabetes management, the reporting and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) remains fundamental. Despite considerable advances in insulin delivery and glucose monitoring technology, self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) remains a vital component of modern type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management. Misreporting of SMBG to parents/caregivers and health professionals represents another more complex aspect. This can take various forms, including: verbal misreporting, usually between a child and their parents (but occasionally health professionals); and logbook misreporting, both written and electronic, which includes manipulating pump download data. Misreporting has both acute and chronic dangers, including both hypo- and hyperglycaemia. Considering how common, and important SMBG is to health and safety in T1DM, there are few studies examining misreporting, in children
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
