Cellular phone transferred self blood glucose monitoring: prerequisites for positive outcome

Abstract The aim of this one‐year study was to assess transmission of glucose values by cellular phone in the treatment of type 1 diabetic patients. In total, 100 consecutive patients visiting a diabetes outpatient clinic were given a cellular phone containing a special menu for transmitting blood glucose values to a database. The doctors checked the results once a week and sent a text message to the patients giving instructions. The controls (100 consecutive diabetic patients) received standard treatment. All patients had a routine clinical visit every three months. The phone system worked well technically and none of the patients had any difficulties in transmitting their glucose values. The phone system was not associated with overall improvement in HbA 1c , probably due to the patients' low measurement activity. Seven patients who were most active in measuring and transferring glucose values had a better outcome than the rest of the group. Sophisticated electronic systems are not beneficial to all patients, but should be restricted to those having high motivation to use them. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.