Role of blood glucose self-monitoring in management of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disorder characterized by hyperglycemia first recognized during pregnancy that does not meet the criteria of manifest diabetes mellitus (DM). The GDM decompensation can be a common cause of perinatal mortality. GDM is associated with higher rates of preeclampsia and eclampsia, which require emergency caesarean section [1]. Contemporary approach to GDM management includes the need for mandatory self-monitoring of blood glucose. The target blood glucose range cannot be achieved without self-monitoring of blood glucose done by the pregnant woman at home. Glycemic control during pregnancy should be accurate, simple and user-friendly, allowing the pregnant woman to adjust insulin therapy for GDM by herself. Choosing a blood glucose meter is one of the major aspects of blood glucose self-monitoring. From the physician's perspective, compliance with accuracy standards is the most important criterion for blood glucose meter selection, while from the patient’s perspective, the most important criteria are user friendliness, and simplicity of use. Blood glucose level measurement accuracy is improved, and self-monitoring of blood glucose becomes easier due to technical improvements, which results in improved adherence to treatment and higher therapy efficacy. Achieving and maintaining glycemic targets are impossible without active and meaningful participation of the patient with GDM, as well as without self-monitoring of blood glucose with precise and user-friendly blood glucose meter, such as Contour Plus One.

Keywords

• self-monitoring of blood glucose
• contour plus one blood glucose meter
• gestational diabetes mellitus.