Open AccessEvaluating the impact of self‐monitoring of blood glucose frequencies on glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Xu Yingqi,
Tan David Hsien Yung,
Lee Joyce YuChia
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.756
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1742-1241
pISSN - 1368-5031
DOI - 10.1111/ijcp.13357
Subject(s) - medicine , type 2 diabetes , diabetes mellitus , insulin , glycated haemoglobin , meta analysis , blood glucose self monitoring , randomized controlled trial , type 1 diabetes , endocrinology , continuous glucose monitoring
Aims International diabetes guidelines have not established the frequencies of self‐monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who do not use insulin. The present study aimed to assess the impact of self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) frequencies on the glucose control and other outcomes in non‐insulin‐treated patients with T2D. Methods A literature search was performed in four databases. Randomised controlled trials with ≥6‐month follow‐up duration that compared the impact of different frequencies of SMBG on glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were included. Studies with abstract only or reported effects of SMBG as a secondary outcome were excluded. Results Of the 1557 studies identified, 12 RCTs with a total of 3350 patients were analysed. Overall, performing SMBG for 8 to 14 times per week was correlated with a better HbA1c control at 6 months (MD −0.46%, 95% CI −0.54 to −0.39) and 12 months (MD −0.20%, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.11). However, up to seven measurements of SMBG per week did not significantly affect glycaemic control. In addition, performing SMBG between 8 and 14 times per week was also associated with improved BMI (MD −0.46, 95% CI −0.84 to −0.08). When the results of SMBG were applied to adjust diabetes medication, a significant reduction in HbA1c levels was observed in the intervention arm compared to the control arm. Conclusions Eight to 14 measurements of SMBG per week were associated with an improved glycaemic control and a reduced BMI in patients with T2D not using insulin.