Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes
Author Information
Author(s): Scherbaum Werner A., Ohmann Christian, Abholz Heinz-Harald, Dragano Nico, Lankisch Mark
Primary Institution: University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany
Hypothesis
One SMBG measurement a week in a stable phase of metabolic control close to glycemic target is no less effective than more measurements a week with regard to metabolic control, hypoglycaemia and/or hyperglycemias, or adverse events.
Conclusion
One SMBG per week is as sufficient and safe as four SMBG per week to maintain HbA1c in non-insulin treated T2D close to metabolic target.
Supporting Evidence
- Compliance with the testing regimen was 82–90% in both groups.
- There were no statistically significant differences in HbA1c values at 3 and 12 months.
- The primary outcome criterion was tested by a one-sided t-test for non-inferiority.
Takeaway
People with type 2 diabetes can check their blood sugar just once a week instead of four times, and it works just as well.
Methodology
Patients with T2D treated with oral antidiabetic drugs were randomized to two groups: either one SMBG or four SMBG per week, followed up after 3, 6, and 12 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the non-blinding of outcome assessors.
Limitations
The study results only refer to patients with stable metabolic control and do not apply to newly diagnosed T2D patients or those with intercurrent diseases.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 35 to 80 years with type 2 diabetes treated with oral antidiabetic drugs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0022
Statistical Significance
p=0.0022
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website