Improving adherence to blood glucose testing in insulin-dependent diabetic children

A treatment program designed to increase blood glucose monitoring was applied to three insulin-dependent diabetic children and their families in a multiple baseline design across subjects. The program included the use of contingent praise by the parents, and a point system in which points were awarded for the completion of the monitoring procedure at the appropriate times each day, and for the recording of the blood glucose value. Blood glucose monitoring improved for all three children, which was maintained at a 4-month follow-up. In addition, long-term metabolic control in the children measurably improved following the implementation of the program.