Can medication packaging improve glycemic control and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes? Results from a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE - To assess the impact of calendar blister pack (CBP) use on glyc emic and blood pressure control. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - We conducted an 8-month randomized controlled double-blind study among diabetic patients with poor glucose control (HbA( 1C) >9.0%) in an urban area of South Auckland, New Zealand, with a high pro portion of Maori and Pacific Islands people. Subjects included 68 consecuti ve patients, of whom 50% were prescribed three or more medications per day. RESULTS - HbA(1C) was reduced by 0.95 +/- 0.22% in the CBP group and 0.15 /- 0.25% in the control group (P = 0.026). Diastolic blood pressure decreas ed 5.8 +/- 1.5 mmHg in the CBP group and increased 0.1 +/- 1.9 mmHg in the control group (P = 0.0041) Systolic blood pressure did not change significa ntly. CONCLUSIONS - CBPs should be considered among diabetic patients with poor g lycemic control receiving multiple medications.