Infodemiology on capillary blood glucose self-monitoring protocols on the Brazilian internet

Abstract

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) is an important tool in controlling blood glucose and managing Diabetes mellitus (DM) and input dispensing protocols are guided by treatment guidelines and specific regulations. The objective of this infodemiological study was to analyze publications on the Brazilian internet about SMBG protocols by Municipal and/or State Health Departments available on Brazilian websites. For the search, the Google tool was used and 286 URLs were identified. The research identified 23 protocols available on government websites, revealing that 10 (43.47%) are from the Southeast region, all protocols defined the diagnosis of Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1, type 2 DM using insulin and gestational DM (GDM), in 11 protocols (47.8%) the monthly supply of capillary blood glucose test strips is provided by the pharmacy and the quantity varies from 30 to 120 strips depending on the type of diabetes and insulin use. The protocols analyzed emphasize the importance of DM education, with 60.8% of them incorporating educational programs. Despite the dynamics of information on the internet, the need for transparency in the inclusion criteria and maintenance of the supply of BGTS is highlighted, qualifying care for patients with DM. The development and dissemination of protocols strengthens the transparency of the SUS, assists in the organization of document flows between the professionals involved and equitable access to inputs.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• self-monitoring of blood glucose
• internet-based intervention
• infodemiology