Self-monitoring of blood glucose in diabetes

doi:10.1136/dtb.2007.45965

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2007;45:65-70; doi:10.1136/dtb.2007.45965

Self-monitoring of blood glucose in diabetes

Relevant BNF section: 6.1.6

A key aim of management in people with diabetes mellitus isto control blood glucose concentrations, in order to avoid thecomplications of persistently raised levels (with their attendanthealthcare costs) and improve quality of life.^1,2 However,such control is associated with an increased likelihood of hypoglycaemia,particularly among patients on insulin therapy.¹ In pursuitof good glycaemic control while avoiding hypoglycaemia, self-monitoringof blood glucose is widely acknowledged as a routine part ofmanagement in patients with type 1 diabetes. However, the costof monitoring products has now become a major issue for healthcareproviders. This has led to some restrictions being placed onself-monitoring, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes,where the evidence for a benefit is less clear-cut.³ With thisin mind, we review the data relating to the benefits of self-monitoringin adults with diabetes, particularly those with type 2 disease.