All Blood Tests

Self blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) is the method of choice in monitoring glycaemic control. Its implementation in the early 1980s into the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) has enabled patients to keep track on their blood glucose concentration at any moment. It is highly recommended for patients on DM management with insulin. This is also desirable for diabetic patients who are on oral anti-diabetic.

Owing to its relatively affordable cost and ease in handling, SBGM has provided a more effective management of DM. However, the frequency of blood glucose testing depends on the glucose status, goals and mode of treatment.

For example, a frequent SBGM (usually 4 or more times daily) has helped in achieving near-normal blood glucose concentration and ability to detect hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), particularly for Type 1 diabetic patients with multiple insulin injections or pump therapy. In the case of Type 2 DM, the optimal frequency of SBGM is unresolved. Nevertheless, it should be sufficient in helping to reach the glucose goals after consulting with your doctor.

It has opened a door of opportunity of self-care where patients can now take part in their own health management. Consequently, it is easier to approach a therapeutic and effective DM management by delaying the progress of DM complications (macrovascular and microvascular complications).

Although home blood glucose monitoring do not show significant deterioration of HbA1c and reduction of body weight as outcome measures, most diabetic clinicians are still advised that SBGM is to be a part of educational strategy to promote self-care. This is because such monitoring can provides information on the effects of therapy, diet and physical activity.

Anyway, patients must be empowered to involve themselves in their therapeutic regimen by changing their lifestyle and medications in response to test results. Without this, no meaningful change is likely to be effected in DM management and thus SBGM can only be a wasteful implementation especially the money spent on the strips used for testing blood glucose.