Jan 03 (HealthCentersOnline) - Many people with diabetes are not testing their glucose (blood sugar) levels often enough because of concerns about pain, according to a national survey.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body either stops making or cannot properly use the glucose-controlling hormone insulin. Regular glucose monitoring, on a schedule recommended by an individual's physician, is one of the most important tasks patients can perform to manage their diabetes and prevent life-threatening complications.

The survey, sponsored by a healthcare company, involved 1,002 adults who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and take insulin supplements. Nearly 4 in 10 of the respondents admitted not checking their glucose as often as their physicians directed.

The chief barriers to testing described by participants include: having to re-prick to draw a blood sample; experiencing pain during testing; wondering if the result is accurate; trouble drawing a large enough blood sample; and having to retest because of an error message.

Patients affected by such issues are advised to ask their physician or diabetes educator about newer glucose meters that may be less painful and more accurate.

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