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Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG)
Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels allows individuals to make changes in insulin/diet/exercise therapy to more effectively control diabetes. It also measures the effects of changes in insulin dose, diet and exercise on blood glucose levels. It is necessary to more carefully monitor blood glucose levels during illness or when taking drugs than alter insulin secretion (such as phenytoin, steroids, pentamidine etc.) (32,33)
The procedure for testing varies slightly depending on the SMBG method used. A small drop of blood is obtained (usually by pricking the fingertip with a lancing device) and applied to a small plastic strip. Chemicals on the strip change color when it comes in contact with sugar. Photometric meters use a light source with filters and a lens to detect color changes. Most meters detect glucose electrochemically. In this method a current is produced when glucose in the blood reacts with the test strip to give a glucose reading in mg/dl.
Recent advances in alternate site testing, which allows the user to obtain a blood sample from sites other than the fingertips, and smaller sample size requirements, have improved user satisfaction and decreased pain. The main disadvantage continues to be the expense of the meters and test strips, although most insurance companies will cover the costs. Future technology is aimed at improving glucose monitoring using non-invasive techniques and implantable continuous monitoring systems. (32)
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Glucose (SMBG)
