Comparative Performance of Different Glucometers for Random Glucose Measurements in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Proper management of diabetic patients is dependent on accuracy in patient self-monitoring of blood glucose levels at home and during health care visits are key. Several glucometers are currently available in the market with variability in technical and clinical accuracies. The aimed at assessing the performance of various glucometers and their reliability as tools worth relying upon for patient blood sugar management. Methods:This cross-sectional study involved 125 aged 39-59 years old (47% males, 55.2% females) diabetic patients recruited from November 2022 to January 2023 at Muhimbili National Hospital Emergency Medicine Department. Patients’ demographic and other relevant information were recorded using questionnaires along with glucometer readings and the laboratory values of glucose. Bland Altman graphs, ISO 15197:2013, Consensus Grid Reference, were used to assess the technical and clinical accuracies. Results: An estimate of 62.4% of participants did not have glucometers at home. The results als showed five glucometers namely, Accu Chek, Gluco Plus, Gluco navii, One Touch Plus and Care sense, to have relatively stable mean glucose levels between glucometers and known laboratory glucose readings. There was likelihood for Care sense not meeting the ISO 15179:2013 criteria while both Accu Chek and Care sense glucometers had higher CV values of 77% and 56.5%, respectively. Conclusions: This study highlights the variability in readings among glucometers with GlucoPlus, Gluco navii and One Touch Plus showing a degree of reliability for patients self-monitoring of random blood glucose levels. Thus regular evaluation of glucometers remains key for their accuracy and patient management.