Diabetes
Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an important part of the management of diabetes. Glucose results generated from glucose testing at home and sent to a medical care provider impowers the patient to adjust insulin doses according to glucose levels with medical supervision. Also, this data enables the medical care provider to modify insulin and other diabetic medications between clinic visits in order to achieve treatment goals. SMBG can be performed with a meter that measures glucose from a fingerstick (or alternate site) drop of blood, or with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which is an external sensor with a filament that is inserted under the skin.
According to the American Diabetes Association 2019 Standards of Care (1) for optimizing self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG):
Of the 18 meters tested, the Bayer Contour Next was the most accurate. Specifically, 100% of the tests performed by the Contour Next were compliant with test standards (within 15% of reference value if >=100 (5.55 mmol/L) or 15 mg/dL [0.83 mmol/L] of reference value if <=100 mg/dL [5.55 mmol/L]. The coefficient of variation (SD of the % difference = (BGM reading 2 reference value)/(reference value) was 5.4%. Bias (the average difference as a percent of the reference value) was 1.2% below the reference value. 95% limits of agreement (the range that included 95% of values around the reference value) was -11 to +10.
The Bayer Contour Next One glucose meter fascilitates sending the glucose data to a medicalcare provider. It integrates the glucose test result with a smartphone app so that results are automatically synced and logged, and can be reviewed by a patient and/or sent to a medical care provider for analysis.
Diabetic mobile phone apps in combination with self glucose testing appears to improve diabetes care. Hou et al reviewed published data and stated: (3)
Apps for diabetes have been evaluated by Chavez et al: (4)
In conclusion, self-monitoring of blood glucose can improve diabetes care. It is important that the glucose meter be accurate and testing technique be correct. Glucose data should be sent to a medical care provider for review. Diabetic care apps that are linked to the meter may provide addtional benefit.
References:
1. American Diabetes Association. 7. Diabetes technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care 2019;42(Suppl. 1):S71–S80
2. Investigation of the Accuracy of 18 Marketed Blood GlucoseMonitors. David C. Klonoff,1 Joan Lee Parkes,2Boris P. Kovatchev,3 David Kerr,4Wendy C. Bevier,4 Ronald L. Brazg,5Mark Christiansen,6 Timothy S. Bailey,7James H. Nichols,8 and Michael A. Kohn9. Diabetes Care. 2018 Aug;41(8):1681-1688. doi: 10.2337/dc17-1960. Epub 2018 Jun 13
3. Do Mobile Phone ApplicationsImprove Glycemic Control (HbA1c) in the Self-management of Diabetes? A Systematic Review,Meta-analysis, and GRADE of14 Randomized Trials. Can Hou,1 Ben Carter,1,2 Jonathan Hewitt,1Trevor Francisa,1 and Sharon Mayor. Diabetes Care 2016;39:2089–2095 | DOI: 10.2337/dc16-0346
4. Mobile Apps for the Management of Diabetes. Chavez S, Fedele D, Guo Y, Bernier A, Smith M, Warnick J, and Modave F. Diabetes Care 2017;40:e145–e146 | https://doi.org/10.2337/dc17-0853
Disclaimer: Since healthcare is complicated and personal, you should discuss these topics with your healthcare provider before applying this information to your own health. This website does not intend to diagnose or treat any disease or medical condition. Its only purpose is to assist people to monitor their health at home under the supervision of their healthcare provider.