In my opinion home BG testing is a vital tool in the management of diabetes – it allows me to check what my BG levels there and then and allows me to make the changes necessary to bring them to more acceptable levels. NICE guidelines (
http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG ... deline.pdf) for home BG testing are:
Offer self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education. Discuss its purpose and agree how it should be interpreted and acted upon.
R23 Self-monitoring of plasma glucose should be available:
to those on insulin treatment
to those on oral glucose lowering medications to provide information on hypoglycaemia
to assess changes in glucose control resulting from medications and lifestyle changes
to monitor changes during intercurrent illness
to ensure safety during activities, including driving.
R24 Assess at least annually and in a structured way:
self-monitoring skills
the quality and appropriate frequency of testing
the use made of the results obtained
the impact on quality of life
the continued benefit
the equipment used.
R25 If self-monitoring is appropriate but blood glucose monitoring is unacceptable to the individual, discuss the use of urine glucose monitoring.