Abstract
Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a fundamental and effective principle in the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). SMBG is a precise and accurate clinical tool in the treatment of glycemia and facilitates tight glycemic control. Recent studies have shown that frequent SMBG improves metabolic control and can detect and predict hypoglycemia. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial demonstrated that SMBG is a key component in achieving tight glycemic control and is associated with improvement in complications of diabetes. Despite the recommendations and benefits of frequent SMBG, it continues to be an underutilized tool, though adherence rates are steadily improving. Recent advances in glucose meters and SMBG data processing have revolutionized the clinical applicability of SMBG. However, several barriers to frequent SMBG have been identified and need to be addressed in order to realize the full potential of SMBG in patients with T1DM. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of SMBG, review the evidence supporting frequent SMBG, and discuss the recent advances in glucose monitoring and data technologies that support its use in effective diabetes management. We also discuss the potential barriers to the use of frequent SMBG, which continue to limits its applicability and require further study.
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