Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose among Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Relationship between Time Perspective and the Frequency of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose among Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
IRAS ID
183602
Contact name
Harriet Baird
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
Previous research has demonstrated that self-monitoring of blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes is fundamental for maintaining glycaemic control and reducing the risk of developing potentially serious complications (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, 1993). However, despite evidence supporting the efficacy of blood glucose monitoring for improved health outcomes, studies have also indicated that adherence to this practice is often suboptimal (Karter, Ferrara, Darbinian, Ackerson, & Selby, 2000). As such, the identification of factors that influence patient adherence to glucose monitoring has become a focal point of research. Given that a common characteristic of health behaviours is the need to exert immediate effort for future gain, the present research proposes that individual differences in people's time perspective - that is, their attitudinal and behavioural preferences for the past, present or future (Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999) - may influence the propensity with which participants monitor their blood glucose.
The aim of the proposed research is to explore the relationship between time perspective and frequency of blood glucose monitoring among adults with type 1 diabetes. The study will employ a cross-sectional design. Participants will be asked to complete (self-report) measures of time perspective, self-control, and their attitudes towards monitoring blood glucose. The researchers will then collect information regarding the frequency with which they monitor their blood glucose (using Diasend software) and their long-term glycaemic control (by reviewing patient records to extract HbA1c levels). Such research has the potential to provide new insights into the psychological factors that underlie adherence-related health behaviours and could lead to the development of interventions that try to modify time perspective in order to promote monitoring of blood glucose.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0039
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion