[Optimizing the use of reagent strips by type 2 diabetics].

What is considered to be the best metabolic self-control method among diabetic patients is to practice capillary glycemia. Nonetheless, the inappropriate use of reactive strips leads to an increase in expenses without preventing complications. Therefore, the authors want to find out if patients make an appropriate use of these strips; to evaluate whether or not a health education training program optimises their use and if it improves metabolic control; and to check to see if their effects last over time when patients stop using them. As a result, the authors carried out a longitudinal intervention study without a random selection; this study was carried out in a urban primary health care unit. The subjects were 267 type 2 diabetes sufferers who were under pharmaceutical treatment and a self-control method. There were 3 periods to compare the use of strips and metabolic control methods: 1) initial consumption level measurement during which reactive strips were dispensed upon demand, 2) dispensing strips after some health education training program, and 3) dispensing strips without any educational training program. The authors conclude that the health education training program carried out by nurses is effective because it optimises the consumption of reactive strips while maintaining a stable metabolic control. The authors presenting their findings orally at the 10th "FEAED" National Congress.