Study: In Type 2 diabetics not on insulin, self-monitoring has no impact on disease

CHICHESTER, England — Self-monitoring blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetics not on an insulin regimen may contribute little to managing the disease, according to an analysis published online last month by The Cochran Library.

"Based on a best-evidence synthesis, there is no evidence that [self-monitoring blood glucose] affects patient satisfaction, general well-being or general health-related quality of life," concluded lead author Uriëll Malanda, of the VU University Medical Center, Department of General Practice, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research in Amsterdam, Netherlands. "More research is needed to explore the psychological impact of [self-monitoring blood glucose] and its impact on [diabetics'] specific quality of life and well-being, as well as the impact of [self-monitoring blood glucose] on hypoglycemia and diabetic complications."

According to the analysis, it was assumed that patients with Type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin would be using the glucose values to adjust their diet and lifestyle. "Pooled results of studies including patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for at least one year show that self-monitoring of blood glucose has a minimal effect in improving glucose control at six months, which disappears after 12 months follow-up," Malanda wrote. "The clinical benefit resulting from this effect is limited."