Self-monitoring of blood glucose: one STeP forward?

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In times of short health care budgets, reimbursement for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in diabetes patients without insulin treatment is subject to debate. The Structured Testing Program (STeP) trial found a positive correlation of test frequency and improved hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients not treated with insulin.

Methods

A structured literature search for other clinical studies reporting on SMBG frequency was performed.

Results

There is scarce evidence: three trials, including STeP, noted a significant and relevant correlation between testing frequency and improved HbA1c levels (FA effect), whereas two studies did not. The comparability between the identified studies is problematic.

Conclusion

SUBMITTER: Schramm W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3440172 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature