The frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an important aspect

Question

The frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an important aspect of controlling diabetes. However, there is no consensus on frequency and timing of SMBG on patients with type 2 diabetes not on insulin therapy. This controversy is based in part on increasing healthcare cost, lack of reimbursing SMBG, and conflicting data that SMBG improves long-term outcomes on non-insulin type 2 diabetic patients. Taking both sides of the controversy, how should diabetes care in its prevention, intervention, control, and eradication be managed in your community?

Explanation / Answer

SMBG has been seen improve diabetes self-management in some people by monitoring the impact of any lifestyle changes and helping them self manage by following a healthy lifestyle. But, results from SMBG, encourigng or not, do not seem to be consistent. There are indeed, studies that find out improvements among these. There is a possibility that among Type-2 diabetics, the SMBG may not go well to some patients. A decision as to whether SMBG is appropriate for Type-2 diabetics should be based on an individual assessment which may reduce waste on a case by case basis.

There may be other aspects specific to type-1 diabetes. In contrast to type-1 diabetes, which nac be self managed easily for persons on insulin therapy, Type-2 patients may not be well educated about self management. The lack of education in how to interpret the blood glucose results and what to do with the information may be a bottle-neck for the outcomes. Individuals who purchase glucometers from pharmacists have no training on usage of the result. SMBG should be used only when Type-2 diabetics and their healthcare providers have the expertise to explore the therapy.

Finally, the administration has to come forward to make these test coat-effecive and rational.

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