Overview on self-monitoring of blood glucose

The self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), traditionally performed by "point-of-care" (POC) devices called portable glucose monitors (PGM) is now considered an integral part of managed care of diabetic patients, especially type 1 diabetics and those on insulin therapy. In patients with type 2 diabetes, SMBG can help to achieve a better glycaemic control, although there is not sufficient evidence to attest that strict monitoring in these patients is associated with an improved outcome. The outcome of several clinical studies, especially in diabetics on insulin therapy, has shown that SMBG plays a key role in preventing complications in the short, medium and long term. According to the current recommendations, SMBG is aimed to achieve and maintain glycaemic control, prevent and identify hypoglycaemia, prevent severe hyperglycaemia, adjust lifestyle changes and establish the need to begin treatment with insulin in gestational diabetes mellitus. However, as clearly highlighted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB), patients and healthcare personnel should be trained on the appropriate use of the device, as well as on the correct interpretation of data. Moreover, definite analytical targets and appropriate acceptance criteria for performance should be fulfilled before a new device is introduced in the hospital environment, or recommended to the patients. Performance limitations such as hematocrit extremes and analytical interferences should be clearly acknowledged by the operators, before taking test results for granted. The current article aims to review the current indications for SMGB and highlight the most important criteria for the appropriate use of PGMs.