Authors

  1. Rosenberg, Karen

Abstract

According to this study:

 

* Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels doesn't improve glycemic control or health-related quality of life in patients with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.

 

 

Article Content

Most people with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, even though the value of doing so is unclear. A pragmatic randomized trial was conducted in 15 primary care practices to evaluate whether this common practice improves glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels or health-related quality of life.

 

A total of 450 adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes were included. They had to be ages 30 or older, established patients at a participating practice, and have HbA1c levels between 6.5% and 9.5% in the six months before the screening. Patients were randomized to one of three study arms: (1) no self-monitoring of blood glucose, (2) once-daily self-monitoring of blood glucose, and (3) enhanced once-daily self-monitoring of blood glucose with tailored messaging delivered to the patient. At baseline, 75% of patients were performing self-monitoring of blood glucose. At one-year follow-up, the researchers found no significant differences in glycemic control or health-related quality of life across the three groups. Secondary outcomes, such as reported symptoms and insulin initiation, were also similar in the three groups.

 

Self-monitoring of blood glucose shouldn't be routine for most patients with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, the authors conclude. Instead, they recommend that clinicians and patients make decisions about monitoring based on individual circumstances.

 

REFERENCE

 

Young LA, et al JAMA Intern Med 2017 177 7 920-9