Purpose: This study investigated the advice given by diabetes educators in Europe, and the daily practice of Dutch patients with diabetes regarding the use of the first or second drop of blood and other aspects concerning self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Method During a diabetes conference in 2009, 96 European diabetes educators (including 46 Dutch educators) completed a single-item questionnaire about the use of the first or second drop of blood for glucose monitoring. A self-reported questionnaire with 20 questions about performing SMBG was filled out by 111 patients from an outpatient diabetes clinic of a Dutch hospital.
Results: Patients were advised to wash their hands with water and soap and use the first drop of blood by 89% of the Dutch and 72% of other European diabetes educators, while 58% of the patients reported to do this. When the patient cannot wash the hands, 85% of the Dutch and 52% of the other European educators advised to use the second drop of blood, while 26% of the patients reported always using the first drop without washing hands. Always using the side of the fingertip and using the lancet once, as advised in guidelines, was reported by only 41% and 55% of the patients, respectively.
Conclusions: There is no general agreement between professionals regarding the advice on aspects concerning SMBG. Patients also reported different acts in daily practice. Developing uniform international SMBG guidelines, education, and repeated evaluation of the process of collecting an accurate blood sample are needed.