Comment on: Polonsky et al. Structured Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Significantly Reduces A1C Levels in Poorly Controlled, Noninsulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the Structured Testing Program Study. Diabetes Care 2011;34:262–267

We read with interest the article by Polonsky et al. (1) reporting that self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) improves glycemic control in noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes. In the U.K., SMBG is recommended for insulin-treated diabetes (2), and controversy exists in relation to treatment with lifestyle advice or oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs). A Cochrane review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of SMBG in noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes (3). Furthermore, a health technology assessment review suggests that SMBG has limited clinical effectiveness in improving glycemic control in noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes (4). In view of the widespread use of SMBG, cost implications, and the fact that U.K. management algorithms are based on HbA …