Regular Self-monitoring Research Articles

Challenges in Type-1 Diabetes Management during the Conflict in Syria

Abstract Background In Syria, a country at war for one decade, medical care has been severely affected by shortages in medications, resources, food, and physicians. Objectives This study reviews the quality of care for patients with type-1 diabetes (T1D) receiving treatment in a private endocrinology service in Raqqa City, Syria. Patients and Method A cross-sectional medical record review for patients with T1D followed-up at a private clinic run by a certified endocrinologist in Raqqa, Syria. All medical records were evaluated for patients' characteristics and multiple diabetes care indicators. Results One hundred and ninety-seven patients with T1D were evaluated; 109 (55.3%) patients were females. The median age of participants was 16 (1.7–42) years, median duration of diabetes was 4 (0–27) years, and mean hemoglobin was A1C, 9.1% (8.7–9.5%). One hundred and twenty-five (63.5%) patients used premixed insulin. Eighty-one (42.4%) patients performed regular self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) at least twice daily. Episodes of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) were reported in 62.4 and 54.4% of patients, respectively. There were significant correlations between the incidence of DKA and female gender and premixed insulin regimens. Conclusion In this private endocrine practice in Raqqa City, Syria, the majority of patients are treated with premixed insulin. Only a minority have their glycosylated A1c monitored regularly. Our unprivileged population is poorly controlled with increased risk of hypoglycemia and admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Barriers and facilitators of providing standard of care diabetes management at primary care level in geriatric population.

Geriatric population is gradually increasing and is expected to grow till 20% by 2050 from the current 8.6%, and so is diabetes prevalence and other comorbidities. To improve diabetes control, better coordination of provider, patient and health system is needed. It has been found that almost half of the diabetes patients do not achieve treatment targets. So, it is essential to assess the perceived barriers as well as facilitators from patients' and physicians' perspectives. The aim of the study was assessment of needs, care, barriers and facilitators to achieve treatment goals for patients and physicians. This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted by the Department of Geriatrics among 100 elderly diabetes patients and 50 physicians after obtaining ethical approval. All participants were interviewed based on a predefined, structured questionnaire with multiple options to grade or choose from. Polypharmacy, mobility issues and dementia were the most common geriatric issues. Hypertension (HTN), arthritis and coronary artery disease (CAD) were the commonest comorbidities. Also, 73% reported that they followed dietary advice, but only 22% accepted that they were doing exercise regularly. Moreover, 5% mentioned that they were taking alcohol, and 15% confirmed of smoking. Also, 47% of patients felt that diabetes was well controlled. Remaining 53% patients gave reasons for poor diabetes control; the most common reason was not following a proper diabetic diet plan in 42% of patients and lack of exercise as instructed was reported by 22% as the reason for their poor diabetic control. Nineteen percent of patients accepted of not measuring their blood glucose as instructed. Among urban doctors, the three most common factors were not being consistent with lifestyle interventions, followed by no regular self-monitoring of blood glucose and no regular follow-up. Top three interventions suggested were to engage or encourage the family members of patients to become involved in diabetes care, provide more convenient diabetes brochures or education materials to patients and improve multidisciplinary and multispeciality collaboration in diabetes control. Diabetes in elderly needs proactive health system and coordinated care. Doctor-patient relationship with good communication skills, family support and multidisciplinary care is needed to improve diabetes care. Health education with a focus on diet control, exercise and other lifestyle modifications are essential factors in improving diabetes care.

Relevance of self-control of blood glucose in the aspect of prevention of cardiovascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus

There is a clear link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is known that cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes mellitus occur 2–5 times more often than in people without diabetes. It is cardiovascular outcomes that are the main cause of death in patients with diabetes mellitus in both men and women. Diabetes mellitus has a high risk of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension and acute cerebrovascular accident, and patients with diabetes mellitus may experience painless acute myocardial infarction associated with the presence of autonomic cardiac neuropathy. Various rhythm disturbances are much more common in diabetes mellitus, including paroxysmal forms of atrial fibrillation, which increase the risk of death by 1.8–2 times. The leading factor in the development of vascular complications of diabetes mellitus is hyperglycemia. In addition, early glycemic disorders - impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glycemia - make a significant contribution to the increased risk of macrovascular complications. Improving glycemic control leads to a significant reduction in the risk of late macro- and microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Glycated hemoglobin is the gold standard for monitoring glycemic control, but it does not provide complete information on daily and intraday changes in glucose levels. Regular self-monitoring of glucose levels is important in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes mellitus. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, all consensus documents and recommendations for the management of patients with diabetes indicate the need for regular monitoring of glucose levels. An important aspect of the technical impact on patients’ adherence to selfcontrol and diabetes therapy is the presence of a convenient communicative connection between the patient and the doctor, in particular, the possibility of contact remotely via a computer and a mobile phone. In conclusion, the possibilities of the new model of the line of blood glucose meters are considered.

Trends in Health Information Technology Use Among the US Population With and Without Cardiovascular Risk Factors, 2012-2018: Evidence From the National Health Interview Survey.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has required clinicians to pivot to offering services via telehealth; however, it is unclear which patients (users of care) are equipped to use digital health. This is especially pertinent for adults managing chronic diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, which require regular follow-up, medication management, and self-monitoring.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to measure the trends and assess factors affecting health information technology (HIT) use among members of the US population with and without cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsWe used serial cross-sectional data from the National Health Interview Survey for the years 2012-2018 to assess trends in HIT use among adults, stratified by age and cardiovascular risk factor status. We developed multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, insurance status, marital status, geographic region, and perceived health status to assess the likelihood of HIT use among patients with and without cardiovascular disease risk factors.ResultsA total of 14,304 (44.6%) and 14,644 (58.7%) participants reported using HIT in 2012 and 2018, respectively. When comparing the rates of HIT use for the years 2012 and 2018, among participants without cardiovascular risk factors, the HIT use proportion increased from 51.1% to 65.8%; among those with one risk factor, it increased from 43.9% to 59%; and among those with more than one risk factor, it increased from 41.3% to 54.7%. Increasing trends in HIT use were highest among adults aged >65 years (annual percentage change [APC] 8.3%), who had more than one cardiovascular risk factor (APC 5%) and among those who did not graduate from high school (APC 8.8%). Likelihood of HIT use was significantly higher in individuals who were younger, female, and non-Hispanic White; had higher education and income; were married; and reported very good or excellent health status. In 2018, college graduates were 7.18 (95% CI 5.86-8.79), 6.25 (95% CI 5.02-7.78), or 7.80 (95% CI 5.87-10.36) times more likely to use HIT compared to adults without high school education among people with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, one cardiovascular risk factor, or no cardiovascular risk factors, respectively.ConclusionsOver 2012-2018, HIT use increased nationally, with greater use noted among younger and higher educated US adults. Targeted strategies are needed to engage wider age, racial, education, and socioeconomic groups by lowering barriers to HIT access and use.

Feasibility of a daily noise monitoring intervention for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss

BackgroundDespite the existence of hearing conservation programmes complying with regulatory standards, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most prevalent occupational diseases. Compulsory daily monitoring of noise exposure has...

Multimodal Imaging of Unaffected Fellow Eyes in Patients with Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Objective: To identify retinal abnormalities in the unaffected fellow eyes of patients with unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n-AMD). Methods: In this cross-sectional, retrospective case series, the medical records of patients with PCV and n-AMD were reviewed and the baseline patient characteristics recorded. Abnormal findings on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) (steep/notched pigment epithelial detachment [PED], double-layer sign, hyporeflective lumen within the PED), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) (ring/patch patterns), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) (punctate hyperfluorescence spot [PHS]) were studied. Results: Seventy-one fellow eyes of patients with PCV and 64 fellow eyes of patients with n-AMD were included. FAF showed abnormalities in 26 (36.6%) and 33 (51.6%) fellow eyes of those with PCV and n-AMD, respectively (p=0.081). SD-OCT detected abnormalities in 25 (35.2%) and 36 (56.3%) fellow eyes of those with PCV and n-AMD, respectively (p=0.014). ICGA detected PHS in 47 (66.2%) and 34 (53.1%) fellow eyes of PCV and n-AMD, respectively (p=0.122). Conclusion: Multimodal imaging showed abnormalities in most asymptomatic fellow eyes of patients with PCV and n-AMD. Regular and long-term self-monitoring and fundus evaluation are important for these patients. The current findings support the differences in the pathogeneses of PCV and n-AMD.

Achieving Optimal Gestational Weight Gain, Birth Weight, and Perinatal Outcomes Among Pregnant Women at Risk of Hypertension: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundHypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia, complicate 10% of all pregnancies, causing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In Bangladesh, 24% of all maternal deaths are directly attributed to hypertensive disorders. Conventional antenatal care practices often delay or miss detecting hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, which may allow some women to become vulnerable to the adverse consequences of the hypertensive disorders. Regular self-monitoring of blood pressure and weight gain may improve maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women at risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy through early diagnosis, prompt referral, and timely clinical management; however, to undertake a randomized controlled trial of an intervention to reduce adverse consequences of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, its feasibility must first be determined.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study are to evaluate the accuracy of a wearable blood pressure monitoring device (Health Gauge) in order to test the design and methods of a future definitive randomized controlled trial, and to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of an intervention focusing on regular monitoring of weight gain and self-monitoring of blood pressure for pregnant women at risk of developing hypertensive disorders and their associated complications.MethodsThe study is located in Matlab, Bangladesh will be conducted in two phases. First, a wearable blood pressure device (Health Gauge) will be validated in accordance with the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol (revision 2010). Second, a prospective, two-arm, parallel, and nonblinded randomized controlled external pilot trial will be conducted. In the pilot trial, 70 eligible participants will be individually randomized to the intervention arm, in which pregnant women will self-monitor their blood pressure daily using a wearable device (Health Gauge) and be evaluated monthly by trained health workers for weight gain from 20 weeks of gestation until delivery, or the control arm, in which pregnant women will be assessed for weight gain every two months from 20 weeks of gestation until delivery (1:1 intervention to control allocation ratio using a permuted block randomization method with concealment). All women will receive standard antenatal care.ResultsA validation study of the wearable blood pressure device has successfully been conducted among the general adult population in Matlab, Bangladesh. As of September 2019, the pilot trial has completed enrollment of women who are pregnant (N=70; intervention: n=35; control: n=35) and follow-up of the participants is ongoing. Data analysis is expected to be completed by June 2020, and results are expected to be submitted for publication in August 2020.ConclusionsThe findings of this study will help us to design a comprehensive, full-scale randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of regular self-monitoring of blood pressure and weight gain during pregnancy, a simple and inexpensive intervention to help to achieve optimal maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women at risk of developing hypertensive disorders and their associated complications during pregnancy.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03858595; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03858595International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/16676

Development and clinical trial of a smartphone-based colorimetric detection system for self-monitoring of blood glucose.

Blood glucose measurements help to guide insulin therapy, thus reducing disease severities, secondary complications, and related mortalities. Efforts are underway to allow diabetes patients to experience a more convenient way to measure blood glucose and consequently increase their adherence to regular self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). This study demonstrated a new SMBG system that integrated all components of a glucometer via a smartphone's optical sensing module to detect the colorimetric blood strip and obtains the blood glucose concentration with calculations performed by an application install in the smartphone. To validate the accuracy and applicability of the new SMBG system regarding the ISO15197:2013 accuracy criteria and patient requirements, a clinical trial and usability survey involving participants from different age groups were conducted in collaboration with the China Medical University, where enrolled 120 diabetic patients were asked to operate the new SMBG system to measure their blood glucose concentration, and feedback was obtained from their user experience. The results showed that three different reagent system lots fulfilled the accuracy requirements with values of 97.4-97.5% , and all of the data were within zones A and B of the consensus error grid, which satisfies the ISO 15197:2013 requirement. The usability survey showed that 97.5% of the participants found the operations convenient, and 100% found the design easy for carrying. This new system could lead to improvements in blood glucose monitoring by people with diabetes, and thus, better management of the disease.

Patterns in Weight and Physical Activity Tracking Data Preceding a Stop in Weight Monitoring: Observational Analysis.

BackgroundSelf-regulation for weight loss requires regular self-monitoring of weight, but the frequency of weight tracking commonly declines over time.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether it is a decline in weight loss or a drop in motivation to lose weight (using physical activity tracking as a proxy) that may be prompting a stop in weight monitoring.MethodsWe analyzed weight and physical activity data from 1605 Withings Health Mate app users, who had set a weight loss goal and stopped tracking their weight for at least six weeks after a minimum of 16 weeks of continuous tracking. Mixed effects models compared weight change, average daily steps, and physical activity tracking frequency between a 4-week period of continuous tracking and a 4-week period preceding the stop in weight tracking. Additional mixed effects models investigated subsequent changes in physical activity data during 4 weeks of the 6-week long stop in weight tracking.ResultsPeople lost weight during continuous tracking (mean −0.47 kg, SD 1.73) but gained weight preceding the stop in weight tracking (mean 0.25 kg, SD 1.62; difference 0.71 kg; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.81). Average daily steps (beta=−220 daily steps per time period; 95% CI −320 to −120) and physical activity tracking frequency (beta=−3.4 days per time period; 95% CI −3.8 to −3.1) significantly declined from the continuous tracking to the pre-stop period. From pre-stop to post-stop, physical activity tracking frequency further decreased (beta=−6.6 days per time period; 95% CI −7.12 to −6.16), whereas daily step count on the day’s activity was measured increased (beta=110 daily steps per time period; 95% CI 50 to 170).ConclusionsIn the weeks before people stop tracking their weight, their physical activity and physical activity monitoring frequency decline. At the same time, weight increases, suggesting that declining motivation for weight control and difficulties with making use of negative weight feedback might explain why people stop tracking their weight. The increase in daily steps but decrease in physical activity tracking frequency post-stop might result from selective measurement of more active days.

Monitoring of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes.

Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, and ketones when indicated, is an essential component of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. Although fingerstick blood glucose monitoring has been the standard of care for decades, ongoing rapid technological developments have resulted in increasingly widespread use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This article reviews recommendations for self-monitoring of glucose and ketones in pediatric T1D with particular emphasis on CGM and factors that impact the accuracy and real-world use of this technology.

A multifaceted intervention to improve asthma control via asthma education, medical follow-up and regular self-monitoring after pediatric emergency department visits for asthma

BACKGROUND Repeated emergency department (ED) visits for acute asthma signal poor asthma control. OBJECTIVE We examined the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention initiated in the ED to promote asthma education, medical visits and regular self-monitoring and to reduce morbidity following an acute care visit for asthma in children. METHODS We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial in children aged 5–17 years presenting for a second or more ED visits for asthma in the past year. The main outcome was the risk of asthma acute care visits. RESULTS We randomized 298 children to usual care (N = 127) and the intervention (N = 171); Children were mostly Caucasians with a median (25%, 75%) age of 8 (6, 11) years. Compared to usual care, significantly more intervention patients attended a medical follow-up visit (32% vs 20%, RR: 1.54 [95%CI: 1.03, 2.32]) and an asthma education session (28% vs 9%, RR: 3.24 [1.75, 5.99]) within 4 weeks of the ED visit. There was no significant group difference in the risk of acute care visits over the next year (RR: 0.92 [0.71, 1.19]). CONCLUSIONS In asthmatic children with recurrent ED visits, promotion of asthma education, medical follow-up visits, asthma control awareness and self-monitoring increased attendance to asthma education and medical follow-up within 4 weeks of the index visit, without reducing exacerbations requiring health care resources.

Is current age related macular degeneration self-monitoring a good tool for detecting exudative recurrence?

To assess the ability of patients with exudative AMD to detect exudative recurrence. Another objective was to assess if self-monitoring, as currently taught, improves this ability. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out in the ophthalmology center of BeauSoleil clinic in Montpellier between March 1 and April 1 2016. Inclusion criteria were presence of neovascular age related macular degeneration treated with the loading dose of three monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, with at least one injection in the past 12 months and at least one exudative recurrence. All patients underwent a visual acuity measurement with ETDRS charts at 4 meters. A questionnaire assessed familiarity with the Amsler grid and its proper use, performance of and type of self-monitoring at home and the subjective feeling of an exudative recurrence at the visit with a 5-level Likert scale. A total of 94 eyes of 70 patients were included in this study with 69.0% women and a median (interquartile range) age of 83 (77-96) years. Among them, 81% performed regular self-monitoring, mostly with environmental Amsler tests (70%). Only 63% of the patients knew of the Amsler grid, among which 52% used it correctly. Sensitivity (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) and specificity (95% CI) of the subjective sensation of exudative recurrence were 0.32 (0.14-0.55) and 0.85 (0.74-0.92), respectively, for the entire population. Sensitivity (95% CI) and specificity (95% CI) were 0.33 (0.13-0.59) and 0.85 (0.74-0.93); 0.25 (0.0063-0.81) and 0.82 (0.48-0.98), respectively, in patients performing and not performing self-monitoring. Patients' prediction in wet AMD is insufficient in detecting exudative recurrences, even if regular self-monitoring with Amsler grid or environmental Amsler is performed.

Optimal management of gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is highly prevalent and has both short- and long-term implications for mother and infant. Literature search using PubMed with keywords 'Gestational diabetes' and 'diabetes in pregnancy' together with published papers known to the authors. The cornerstone of management is medical nutrition therapy with regular self-monitoring of capillary blood glucose levels and intensification of therapy if glycaemic goals are not achieved. Post-partum, annual assessment for type 2 diabetes is recommended. Diagnostic criteria and new biomarkers for GDM and the clinical and economic benefits of treating women with milder levels of glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Women with GDM are a heterogeneous group with varying degrees of insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. Development of alternative diagnostic markers and application of novel technologies for GDM management.

Chronic renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 (type 2 diabetes) is one of the most common non-infectious diseases worldwide. Chronic hyperglycemia is a leading factor in a development of vascular complications of diabetes which involve various organs, particularly the eyes, kidney, cardiovascular system and nervous system. One of the most common complications of DM is diabetic nephropathy. Presence of chronic renal disease in a patient with DM limits options of glucose-lowering therapy. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are currently among medications of choice for glucose-lowering therapy in patients with chronic renal disease. All currently available dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors can be administrated to patients with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis, and a rate of their use is continuously increasing. Given a high risk of hypoglycemic conditions in patients with chronic renal disease, a regular self-monitoring of glycemia is an essential component of a treatment. Glucometer Contour Plus One is one of the most recent devices developed for self-monitoring of blood glucose. Its advantage over all other blood glucose meters is an ability to synchronize with a mobile application Contour™ Diabetes (Contour Diabetes).

Socioeconomic status moderates the association between patient satisfaction with community health service and self-management behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional survey in China.

The objective of this study was to examine the association between patient satisfaction with community health service (CHS) and self-management behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).In all, 1691 patients with T2DM from 8 community health centers in 5 provinces in China participated in the present study. The dependent variables included 4 measures of self-management behaviors: regular self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), prescribed medication adherence, recommended dietary changes, and regular exercise. The independent variable was patient satisfaction with CHS. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to examine the association between patient satisfaction with CHS and self-management behaviors.The mean satisfaction score in the participants was 3.14 (out of a maximum of 5). After adjusting for covariates including demographic factors, health status, health knowledge, and socioeconomic status (SES), diabetic patients with high CHS satisfaction had better medication adherence (odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.55), increased exercise management (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06–1.35), and more SMBG (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.32); all these associations varied across SES groups. The association between satisfaction and medication adherence was significant among participants younger than 65 years with lower education (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.37–3.37), income (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.13–2.32), and lower-status occupations (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16–2.47). Among participants younger than 65 years and had lower education attainment, the association between satisfaction and diet management was observed. There were positive associations between satisfaction and regular exercise among subgroups of participants younger than 65 years, except for lower education group. A significant association between satisfaction and SMBG among participants ≥65 years old, who also had lower SES and higher-status occupations, was also observed.The study findings suggested that T2DM patient satisfaction with CHS was moderate. High satisfaction with CHS indicated better medication adherence, exercise management, and SMBG, and these associations varied by SES.

Priorities of self-monitoring of blood glucose in a treatment of diabetes mellitus

Aim. To describe a role of self-monitoring of glycemia in a treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and in a prevention of vascular complications of DM. Materials and methods. Data of 57 scientific sources from Russian and foreign literature published within 2005-2017 are considered. Results and conclusions. DM is a chronic disease associated with a development of micro- and macrovascular complications and to prevent them is an important task of modern medicine. In patients with DM an incidence of cardiovascular diseases is 2-3 times higher compared with the general population. Hyperglycemia is among the major damaging factors for the cardiovascular system. Clinical studies have clearly demonstrated that programs of therapeutic management of diabetic patients which include regular self-monitoring of glycemia lead to a better reduction of glycated hemoglobin levels compared to programs without self-monitoring as well as they help many patients to avoid late complications. СКГ rate is correlated with glycated hemoglobin levels. Regular self-monitoring allows you to avoid sudden and dangerous fluctuations in glycemia, including hypoglycemia, which contribute to high cardiovascular risk. The use of self-monitoring of glycemia in combination with structured patient education is associated with improving the quality of life of patients with DM. Current view on self-monitoring implies a certain frequency of blood glucose systematic measurement (varies depending on the type of glucose-lowering therapy and the degree of diabetes compensation) and is an important reference point used by both the doctor and the patient to assess a treatment outcome and to correct it if necessary. An availability of modern glucometers and skills of their correct and regular use turn a patient into an active and valuable participant in a management of DM. Achieving and maintaining the target glycemia levels depends largely on an accuracy of the glucometer since measurement results provide the basis for changing a glucose-lowering therapy if necessary. From the physician's point of view, the most important criterion for selecting a glucometer is compliance with the accuracy standards, and from the patient’s point of view this is convenience and ease of use. Thanks to improving technologies that increases an accuracy of blood glucose measurements, the procedure for self-monitoring of glycemia is simplified, which contributes to glucose-lowering therapy effectiveness and treatment compliance.

Effects of a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in routine care \u2013 the cluster-randomised GeliS trial

BackgroundExcessive gestational weight gain (GWG) leads to obstetric complications, maternal postpartum weight retention and an increased risk of offspring obesity. The GeliS study examines the effect of a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy on the proportion of women with excessive GWG and pregnancy and obstetric complications, as well as the long-term risk of maternal and infant obesity.MethodsThe GeliS study is a cluster-randomised multicentre controlled trial including 2286 women with a pre-pregnancy BMI between 18.5 and 40.0 kg/m2 recruited from gynaecological and midwifery practices prior to the end of the 12th week of gestation in five Bavarian regions. In the intervention regions, four lifestyle counselling sessions covering a balanced healthy diet, regular physical activity and self-monitoring of weight gain were performed by trained healthcare providers alongside routine pre- and postnatal practice visits. In the control regions, leaflets with general recommendations for a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy were provided.ResultsThe intervention did not result in a significant reduction of women showing excessive GWG (adjusted OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.66–1.38, p = 0.789), with 45.1% and 45.7% of women in the intervention and control groups, respectively, gaining weight above the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 10.8% and 11.1% of women in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p = 0.622). Mean birth weight and length were slightly lower in the intervention group (3313 ± 536 g vs. 3363 ± 498 g, p = 0.020; 51.1 ± 2.7 cm vs. 51.6 ± 2.5 cm, p = 0.001).ConclusionIn the setting of routine prenatal care, lifestyle advice given by trained healthcare providers was not successful in limiting GWG and pregnancy complications. Nevertheless, the potential long-term effects of the intervention remain to be assessed.Trial registrationNCT01958307, ClinicalTrials.gov, retrospectively registered October 9, 2013.

Аптечный рынок глюкометров и тест-полосок к ним

The problem of diabetes mellitus (DM) has assumed epidemic proportions in recent years. According to the National Register of Diabetes Mellitus in the Russian Federation, the number of patients with diabetes in our country reached 4.6 mil. as of January 1, 2019. At the same time, the share of type 2 DM accounts for about 93% of cases [1]. The regular self-monitoring of the blood glucose level using portable blood glucose meters is considered an important measure to prevent complications of this disease [2]. This review presents the key trends of the Russian pharmacy market of blood glucose meters and test strips.

Self-Monitoring by Traffic Light Color Coding Versus Usual Care on Outcomes of Patients With Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPatients with heart failure (HF) reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) have symptoms that are more severe and experience a higher rate of hospitalization compared with HF preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. However, symptom recognition cannot be made by patients based on current approaches. This problem is a barrier to effective self-care that needs to be improved by new self-monitoring instruments and strategies.ObjectiveThis study describes a protocol for the self-monitoring daily diaries of weight and shortness of breath (SOB) based on the traffic light system (TLS). The primary objective is to compare the self-care between the intervention and control group. Comparison of HF knowledge, HF quality of life (HFQOL), and all-cause hospitalization between the 2 groups are the secondary objectives.MethodsA single-blind randomized controlled trial is being conducted at the HF clinic at Tehran Heart Center (Tehran, Iran). Sixty-eight adult patients of both genders will be enrolled during admission to HF clinic. Eligible subjects will be assigned to either the intervention or control group by a block balanced randomization method. Baseline surveys will be conducted before random allocation. Participants in the intervention group will receive an integrated package consisting of (1) HF self-care education by an Australian Heart Foundation booklet on HF, (2) regular home self-monitoring of weight and SOB, and (3) scheduled call follow-ups for 3 months. Patients in the control group will receive no intervention and they only complete monthly surveys.ResultsThis study is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.ConclusionsThis is the first trial with new self-monitoring instruments in Iran as a low and middle-income country. If the findings show a positive effect, the package will be applied in different regions with the same health care status.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017021032476N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/25296?revision=25296 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73DLICQL8)International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/9209

Abstract P228: Text-Facilitated Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: A Qualitative Analysis of Health Behavior Change

Uncontrolled hypertension constitutes a major challenge for healthcare systems. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is widely recommended and may lower BP when combined with other supports. However, scalable and systematic HBPM interventions are lacking and the behavioral mechanism(s) through which BP is lowered remain poorly understood. Our team designed the MyBP program with video-based education and a fully automated, bi-directional texting to facilitate longitudinal HBPM. Exit interviews conducted after six-weeks of MyBP revealed that most participants made at least one healthy behavior change. The current study examines why participants made healthy behavior changes, and what specific components of the MyBP program facilitated those changes. Adults with hypertension were recruited from either an urban emergency department, a primary care office, or a hypertension referral center. The 40 enrolled participants were widely representative: age range 34-70, 23 women, 24 minority, 14 completed only high school, BP range 110-250/70-130 mm Hg, and prescribed BP medications range 0-5. A thematic analysis of transcribed exit interview audio-recordings identified three themes contributing to patients’ decision to initiate a behavior change: 1) improved hypertension literacy from viewing educational videos; 2) increased day-to-day salience of one’s BP as a result of consistent HBPM; and 3) use of BP readings as feedback on participants’ health behaviors, with high readings often triggering intrinsic motivations to make behavior changes. These themes and associated sub-themes were found to have analogous constructs in the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory. The presentation of educational materials at baseline, followed by regular BP self-monitoring, increased confidence and motivation to initiate changes in health behaviors. The receipt of bi-weekly reports then acted as feedback fueling participants’ motivation to maintain or add healthy behaviors. Facilitation of HBPM with automated texting, in conjunction with educational videos and regular feedback, appears to stimulate improvements in hypertension self-management via mechanisms consistent with recognized models of behavior change.