Association Between Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Frequency and Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes Patients: A Retrospective Study at Khon Kaen Hospital

Background and Objective: Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an essential component of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management, particularly in settings where continuous glucose monitoring remains inaccessible. Evidence from international cohorts suggests a strong inverse relationship between SMBG frequency and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), yet local data in Thailand remain limited. This study aimed to examine the association between SMBG frequency and glycemic control among adults with T1DM attending Khon Kaen Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records from January 2024 to January 2025. Adults aged ≥15 years with T1DM and at least two clinic visits that documented SMBG frequency and HbA1c were included. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, diabetes complications, and insulin regimens were recorded. SMBG frequency was categorized based on receiver operating characteristic analysis to discriminate poor glycemic control (HbA1c >9%). Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon rank sum tests, chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, and univariate logistic regression. Result: Fifty patients with 102 visits met eligibility criteria. The median age was 22 years, and most were female. The optimal SMBG threshold predicting poor glycemic control was 2.5 checks/day; this informed the categorization of SMBG