Twelve patients from Malta have participated in the Accu-Chek 360° View, an observational study, which was also conducted at an international level, aimed at finding out how people with diabetes can better monitor their glucose intake and adjust their daily therapy more effectively.

The final results of the study conducted throughout the participating countries were presented in Budapest in mid-May at a conference for doctors and specialists. On average, HbA1c of the participants was found to be 1.7% lower from when they started the study. Patients felt that they were able to follow their treatment regimens better, which increased their confidence in managing their diabetes. The use of this tool was associated with improvements in other diabetic risk factors.

The ACCU-CHEK® 360° blood glucose analysis tool is a product of Roche Diagnostics. Accu-Chek is distributed in Malta by Vivian Corporation. This system assists persons with diabetes to collect self-care data, analyse results with easy-to-read, comprehensive graphs on a daily basis and act on the results to continually improve their diabetes management.

For the purpose of this study, Vivian Corporation coordinated with Roche and sourced 12 persons from Malta who have diabetes and who were requested to participate in this study by monitoring their glucose levels according to a strict schedule. Using the Accu-Chek 360° chart as well as Accu-Chek blood glucose meters, strips and lancing devices, the participants sought to know and achieve their glycaemic targets at fasting, premeal, postmeal and bedtime. By keeping track of the glucose readings, the participants could interpret the blood glucose results and take appropriate action. Participation in this study entailed seven readings a day over three days in a row every month for a period of five months.

“The aim of this study was to prove that constant and regular monitoring of glucose levels would eventually lead to a decrease in HbA1c which stands for the average blood glucose in the body throughout the immediate previous three months preceding the reading,” explains Yan Grima, Product Specialist at Vivian Corporation representing Roche Diagnostics. “Patients were asked to choose three consecutive days during which they were to check their blood glucose levels seven times a day. The participants were also asked to put down their meal size and the level of activity at the time when they were taking a blood glucose reading. This enabled the patient to see how his/her blood glucose changed according to the meal size and the level of exercise at that time.

“Participating in this study was in line with Vivian Corporation’s commitment to support initiatives that promote effective healthcare and that enhance the quality of life in general. This study in Malta was part of a wider study conducted across a number of countries throughout Europe with the participation of around 400 people with diabetes. It helped the participants identify dynamic relationship between treatment, different meals and snacks, physical activity resulting in glucose levels as well as identify effects of other factor influencing blood glucose levels.”