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

OBJECTIVE - To assess the impact of calendar blister pack (CBP) use on glycemic 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 proportion of Maori and Pacific Islands people. Subjects included 68 consecutive 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 decreased 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 significantly. CONCLUSIONS - CBPs should be considered among diabetic patients with poor glycemic control receiving multiple medications.