Glucose Self-monitoring in Non–Insulin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care Settings

RCT (n=450) found no statistically significant differences in HbA1c levels at one year, health-related quality of life or adverse events between patients with type 2 diabetes who performed self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) versus controls.

A related commentary notes that these findings suggest that glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes should be discouraged.

NICE does not recommend the routine self-monitoring of blood glucose levels for adults with type 2 diabetes unless:

• the person is on insulin or

• there is evidence of hypoglycaemic episodes

• the person is on oral medication that may increase their risk of hypoglycaemia while driving or operating machinery

• the person is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant.