Strategy for self-monitoring of diabetic control

Treatment of diabetes must aim at normal metabolism. Sporadic measurements of any known parameter is not a sufficient guarantee but continous regular self-monitoring is necessary. At least in insulin dependent diabetes it seems reasonable that we should monitor the free insulin levels, but that still belongs to the future. As blood glucose gives us a good reflection of the hormonal and metabolic balance, this is a relevant parameter to follow. Glycosylated proteins, mainly hemoglobin, give only retrospective information of moderate value for the practical management of the disease. Furthermore, one should be aware of the different weak points of glycosylated hemoglobin which does not tell the only, total truth about glucose balance. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a very valuable tool, especially when used in a systematic way. To get information covering the whole day every day tests for glucosuria have still a place, especially among children and young adults with rather short duration of diabetes. With a sensible approach it is possible to get good compliance among most patients. A combination of blood and urine glucose selfcontrol creates opportunities for a good metabolism in diabetes.