Self-monitoring Doesn't Improve Diabetics' Lives: Study

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jul, 2017 ) : A study has recently found that self-monitoring of blood glucose levels in Type-2 diabetes patients, who are not treated with insulin, did not improve their health-related quality of life.

Health news reported that,results of a randomised trial suggested that self-monitoring should not be a routine in these patients. Many patients with type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin regularly perform self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), although the value of that practice has been debated.

Researchers of the University of North Carolina conducted a trial in 15 Primary care practices in North Carolina with 450 patients with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.

The study measured hemoglobin A1c levels (a measure of longer-term blood sugar control) and health-related quality of life after one year.

The results revealed that there were no differences in glycemic control or health-related quality of life after one year between patients who performed SMBG compared with those who did not. Attrition in the SMBG monitoring groups could explain why some improvements were initially seen in hemoglobin A1c levels in the early months that were not significant at 12 months, according to the study.

The authors warn the results do not apply to patients with diabetes treated with insulin.