Is Estimation Of Blood Glucose By Glucometer More Reliable Than Laboratory Analysis? A Comparative Study Done At Rural Hospital Of Maharashtra

Introduction: Diabetes is a major public health problem that is approaching epidemic proportions globally. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is promoted in diabetic patients so that they achieve and maintain specific glycemic goals. Objectives : To compare the blood glucose estimation methods; capillary blood and venous blood by glucometer, venous plasma glucose estimation by auto analyzer and to find variation in results. Material & Methods : 60 patients attending Outpatient department of JIIUs IIMSR and Noor hospital, Warudi, Badnapur, Maharashtra who were advised blood glucose estimation were selected. Finger prick (capillary) blood glucose & glucose estimation of venous blood was done by glucometer; and venous plasma glucose estimation was done by auto analyzer in laboratory. Result & Conclusion : Mean values of capillary glucose estimation by glucometer were higher than plasma glucose estimation in laboratory on auto analyzer and the difference was found to be statistically significant. Venous glucose estimation on glucometer gave high erroneous results as compared to plasma glucose estimation in laboratory.