by Colin Kenny, GP, Dromore
This randomised trial enrolled 300 people with type 2 diabetes who were being treated with a conventional insulin regimen (basal or premixed insulin with or without additional oral glucose-lowering agents). In the 2×2 factorially designed experiment, once-weekly four-point glucose profiles were compared with no self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), while the provision of HbA1c results to study participants was compared with non-disclosure of results.
Patient characteristics were balanced across groups and there was a low incidence of hypoglycaemia. Regular SMBG did not improve HbA1c levels, and the disclosure of HbA1c results had no significant influence on outcomes.
A single trial of this type does not justify withholding or limiting testing strips, although it suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes, even when treated with insulin, may derive little benefit from SMBG with regard to potentially helping them to improve their blood glucose control or reducing hypoglycaemia.
To access the full publication, click here (log-in or purchase required)
