Advances and strategies for glucose monitoring

Blood glucose monitoring systems are used effectively in the therapy of persons with diabetes mellitus. Through the simple application of a drop of blood, a person can immediately obtain a blood glucose concentration. Many systems are being marketed and sold worldwide. Therefore it is essential that the patient and health-care professional understand the similarities, differences, and use characteristics of these systems. Systems to self-monitor blood glucose levels are used in three distinct areas. Area 1 is the patient home use setting, area 2 is the physician's office or diabetes clinic setting, and area 3 is the hospital or medical center setting. Each area has associated with it certain challenges that are distinct from the others. Strategies to meet these challenges are explored along with ways to assess confidently the performance of any self-monitoring blood glucose system in each of these areas.