Comparison of Blood Glucose Measurements Using Samples Obtained From the Calf, Fingertip, and Venous in Patients with Type II Diabetes

Management of blood glucose is of great importance in diabetic patients and can prevent complications of diabetes. In the current study, we compared the glucose level of calf sampling with that of fingertip and venous samples.
This comparative, descriptive study was performed on 260 diabetic patients. After completing a demographic information form, at first non-fasting blood glucose test was taken from the vein, then capillary blood samples were collected at the same time by a glucometer from the middle finger of the left hand and the 1/3 left calf, and the results were compared with venous blood glucose. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Wilcoxon and Spearman) in SPSS version 14. P-values ​​ less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
The Spearman test showed a significant correlation between fingertip, calf, and venous blood sugar levels )P In this study, differences in blood glucose levels of fingertip and calf capillary samples and venous samples in diabetic patients were clinically negligible, and these points can be used instead of venous blood samples for self-monitoring.