The Impact of Using Local Finger Cooling on The Pain Caused by Glucometer Needle and The Satisfaction of Diabetic Patients

Background: Effective pain management during blood glucose testing plays a vital role in ensuring the commitment of individuals with diabetes to regular monitoring. This study aimed to investigate the impact of utilizing local finger cooling (Cryotherapy) techniques on reducing the pain caused by the glucometer needle and enhancing the overall satisfaction of diabetic patients. Method: The current study is semi-experimental research. The research population consisted of diabetic patients hospitalized in hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The sample size required for the study was determined to be 40 individuals. In order to gather information, the demographic forms of diabetic patients were utilized, pain levels from glucometer needle insertion were assessed using visual criteria, the level of patient satisfaction with their pain control was assessed through self-reported measures, and blood glucose levels were measured using a standard glucometer device. Cryotherapy was performed on one hand of the patients (experimental), and the other hand was considered as control. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and parametric tests. Results: There was no significant difference in Pain Caused by Glucometer Needle between two control and experimental groups. In addition, 35% of the patients reported a good level of satisfaction with the cryotherapy. Conclusion: local finger cooling did not significantly reduce pain intensity, but a minority of patients found it satisfactory.