Readers of Desang’s magazine have demonstrated an overwhelming demand for regular HbA1c home testing. A survey sent to readers have produced results showing that the majority believed that their crucial HbA1c levels should be checked more regularly than the NHS currently offers, and that self-monitoring using a home test would be an effective way of achieving this.
HbA1c test results are used by clinicians to gauge average glucose levels over the previous three to four months and is used to determine therapy accordingly. The blood test can be carried out every three to four months but currently, on the NHS, the majority of people with diabetes are only receiving an HbA1c blood test once a year.
The new survey of more than 700 people, 93% of whom are diagnosed with diabetes, found that nearly 60% wanted more regular testing than they were currently offered and 82% believed that home testing would provide them with an effective way of achieving this. The survey, carried out by Desang Magazine, also found that 73% of respondents believed that it was important to know their HbA1c levels on an ongoing basis whilst a staggering 94% stated that access to home monitoring would encourage more people with diabetes to self-monitor.
“The survey results demonstrate that people with diabetes are aware of the HbA1c test and its place within their diabetes care and control and that they want to achieve optimum control by using diabetes management tools at home,” says Sue Marshall, Editor of Desang Magazine. “It is encouraging to note that magazine readers are keen to help themselves and I believe that this should be supported, including expanding the possibility for more self-monitoring in the home environment.”
Dr Ponnusamy Saravanan, Associate Clinical Professor & Honorary Consultant Physician in Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism at the University of Warwick & George Eliot Hospital says, “HbA1c does not fluctuate like daily blood glucose levels and hence is an extremely useful indicator of average blood glucose levels. This survey shows that people with diabetes understand what HbA1c is and the value of optimum HbA1c testing and wish to be tested more regularly than they are under the current guidelines. It clearly shows that people with diabetes are comfortable with self-managing aspects of their treatment including HbA1c testing, and I believe that this should be encouraged. Patient-led HBA1c testing, whether at home or in the pharmacy, would provide a simple yet very accurate and effective system of continuous and optimum monitoring of long-term glucose levels, empowering the patient and ensuring that the clinician has the best possible information with which to decide on treatment.”
The independent survey was supported by BHR Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the sole UK distributors of A1CNow Self Check the only HbA1c home check system tested to industry precision standards.
www.bhr.co.uk
News items and features like this appear in the Desang Diabetes Magazine, our free-to-receive digital journal. We cover diabetes news, diabetes management equipment (diabetes kit) and news about food suitable for a diabetic diet. Go to the top of this page to sign up – we just need your email address. www.desang-magazine.co.uk
