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Diabetics : self monitoring of blood glucose
can be useful

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a useful tool for diabetics who are motivated to manage their illness.

The aim of treatments for diabetics is to avoid the symptoms associated with hyperglycaemia and to prevent or delay the long-term complications associated with diabetes. Glycaemia tests enable patients to measure their glucose levels themselves from a drop of capillary blood obtained from pricking the fingertip, and to adjust their treatment if necessary. Self monitoring of glycaemia is only useful to patients if it encourages them to play an active part in managing their diabetes. Several daily measures are necessary for type 1 diabetics in order to maintain strict control of glycaemia. It enables patients whose diabetes is poorly controlled, despite treatment with oral antidiabetics, to prepare themselves for possible insulin treatment and to better manage their illness. In diabetics who manage to maintain a good control with oral antidiabetics, and in diabetics treated solely by diet and physical exercise, there is no justification for recommending daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. It causes a few adverse effects (pain, finger infections, risk of viral infection) which are often avoidable if the patient receives advice on taking appropriate precautions.

©Prescrire November 2005

Source: "Autosurveillance glycémique : décisive sous insuline, éventuellement utile sous antidiabétique oral" Rev Prescrire 2005 ; 25 (266) : 769-775.

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