Current practice of blood glucose self-monitoring: the basis for effective control of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Chronic hyperglycemia being a major factor of the diabetes complications requires effective treatment aimed at achieving metabolic targets since the moment of the diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) together with assessment of HbA1c levels have been included in the current recommendatiions as the main method for estimation of glycemic control. The paper discusses therapeutic targets and the main issues of blood glucose self-monitoring (SMBG) during treatment of DM. The value of SMBG for patients and physicians is analyzed. The use of SMBG allows the physician to objectively assess the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment and enables the patient's active engagement in the therapy process. The recommended SMBG frequency that depends on the hypoglycemic therapy is discussed. The research data on the SMBG efficacy are provided. Self-monitoring of blood glucose by patients with DM requires high-precision glucose meter to achieve and maintain the glucose levels. The paper touches upon the issues of choosing the glucose meter. Compliance with the accuracy standards is an important criterion for choosing the glucose meter.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• complications
• self-monitoring of blood glucose
• glycated hemoglobin
• hypoglycemia
• glucose meters