From:
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE’S HONORARY
MEDICAL ADVISORY PANEL ON DRIVING AND DIABETES MELLITUS
HELD ON TUESDAY, 1ST OCTOBER 2013
6. Blood Glucose Meters
6.1. Dr Gary Thorpe, Honorary Senior Lecturer at The University of Birmingham gave a
presentation on “Blood Glucose Meter Accuracy, What is it, Measurement and
Interpretation”.
6.2. The Panel also discussed the following paper: System Accuracy Evaluation of 43 Blood
Glucose Monitoring Systems for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose according to DIN En
ISO 15197 – Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology 2012: 6: 1060-1075.
6.3. All meters on the market in the European Union need to meet minimum accuracy
standards. These are CE marked and meters which are not CE marked cannot be
marketed in the European Union.
These meters measure plasma glucose levels.
Concerns were raised about the accuracy of some meters particularly at lower blood
glucose levels and the Panel will consider this and whether a stricter accuracy standard
needs to be set for lower glucose readings on the meters used by Group 2 drivers on
insulin. It was also noted that the memory must be sufficient to store at least 3 months
worth of blood glucose readings. In addition there are many operator dependent factors
which do influence meter accuracy and it is important that this information is clearly
available for users.