'I’m sorry, I forgot to bring in my blood sugars!'

I don’t remember how many times I have heard this statement or variations. I am sure that all of you have heard this countless times as well.

Before new patients come to see us in consultation in our clinic, they are reminded to bring their glucometers and log books. If they have not been testing regularly, then at the minimum we tell them to please bring in two weeks’ worth so that we will have something to discuss.

And yet, four out of five times the patient arrives without any documentation at all.

“Oh, I think it was 120 this morning ... or maybe it was 180? I’m not sure.”

Often they tell me, “I didn’t bring it in because no one ever looks at it anyway.” I know that sometimes they are using this as an excuse. However, often I believe them. I read the old records and too frequently see that no one has commented on the finger stick blood glucoses or that they reviewed them.

“You’re the first one who’s wanted to look at them.”

“No one’s ever asked before.”

I once overheard a certified diabetes educator explain to a patient: “Coming to the diabetes center without your blood glucose records is like going to the pediatrician without your child!”

How correct.

Recently, studies have been published suggesting that self-monitoring of blood glucose does not improve glycemic control but may result in greater distress and lower quality of life compared to individuals who do not test. A few primary care physicians have pointed this out to me. They have offered it as an excuse for why they should not require their patients to test.

We all know that diabetes mellitus is a time-consuming and expensive chronic disease. It can be frustrating for the patient as well as the clinician. However, even if the patient does test his or her blood glucose, if no one looks at the records, there will be no way for therapy to be modified or glycemic control to be improved.

In response to my patients who claim there is no point in testing because no one is interested:

“Who cares about your blood sugars? We do. Please test often, write them down and bring them in.

“We will always look at your numbers and appreciate your hard work ... I promise. Only by working together will we be able to improve your control and help you to manage your diabetes.”