Аннотация:Abstract Aims To clarify the role of self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in the self‐management of Type 2 diabetes from the patient's perspective, using in‐depth interviews with non‐insulin‐treated adults to investigate how they learned to manage their diabetes effectively and whether SMBG played a significant role in this process. Methods Individual interviews were conducted with 14 non‐insulin‐treated adults with Type 2 diabetes who had significantly improved their glycaemic control [64% women; 50% black; 21% Hispanic; mean age 60 years; mean HbA 1c concentration 43 mmol/mol (6.1%)]. Interviews were transcribed and analysed by a coding team, applying the concept of illness coherence from the Common Sense Model of Self‐Regulation. Results The majority of participants relied on SMBG to evaluate their self‐management efforts. Key themes included: adopting an experimental approach; experiencing ‘a‐ha’ moments; provider‐assisted problem‐solving; using SMBG and other feedback to evaluate when their efforts were working; and normalizing diabetes‐specific behaviour changes as being healthy for everyone. Conclusions Our qualitative data are consistent with the argument that SMBG, if implemented appropriately with enough education and provider access, can be a powerful tool for non‐insulin‐treated adults with Type 2 diabetes to monitor their self‐management. Establishing sufficient conditions for illness coherence to develop while individuals are learning to use SMBG could increase their sense of personal control in managing a complex and demanding illness.
