Impact of self-monitoring of blood glucose levels on quality of life in individuals with newly diagnosed T2DM: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: The effects of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) on quality of life (QoL) in adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are unclear. SMBG is an additional task for people with T2DM. Qualitative analysis on its effects is timely. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact that SMBG has on QoL of individuals with newly diagnosed T2DM. METHOD: This was a systematic review of qualitative studies of adults living with newly diagnosed T2DM conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol for this study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251034390). Four databases were searched for relevant studies. The databases included CINAHL, Embase via Ovid, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. RESULTS: From an original return of 230 papers, 39 were duplicates, 160 papers were deemed to be irrelevant, 31 were included in full-text review, and two studies were included in the review. Studies looking at the impact of SMBG on the QoL of adults with newly diagnosed T2DM were found to be of sufficient quality for inclusion. SMBG was preferred over alternative methods of self-monitoring but was not done regularly when participants felt healthcare professionals (HCPs) did not appreciate its importance. CONCLUSION: It is important that HCPs collaborate with patients who use SMBG to improve adherence and motivation. Further research of this topic is warranted.