Abstract
Patients and many physicians believe that modern blood glucose meters provide reliable results under all circumstances. The aim of this (mini-)review is to critically review a number of aspects that should be taken into account for successful self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Usage and practical knowledge of patients about the optimal knowledge of SMBG appear to be lower than one expects. A number of factors like coding and calibration have an impact on the reliability of the measurement. Unfortunately, we have no standard procedure to evaluate the quality of the glucose measurement by the meters. In practice, SMBG is more than simply the glucose measurement; it involves many steps that also have a critical impact on the final outcome. We will also highlight that the digital number provided at the end of this diagnostics procedure is of no help per se; it requires a translation in an adequate therapeutic action. Most of the aspects mentioned have not gained thorough scientific interest in the last years. Also, in view of the economic relevance of SMBG (billions are spend each and every year) SMBG and the factors that have an impact on the reliability of the measurement should receive more attention by academia.
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