Importance of using and understanding self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) data in assessing ambient and long-term glycaemic control.

In terms of evaluating the tests of glycaemia, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) testing by patients and periodic HBA1c assays are critical requirements in educating patients about their diabetes status. HbA1c determinations are primarily a function of average blood glucose level that occurs over a specific length of time. American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that intensively managed type 1 diabetes patients should perform SMBG at least 3 times or more daily. For type 2 diabetes the recommendation of testing frequency specified that clinicians should carefully assess the 'temporal patterns' so that the AM or PM doses of insulin and/or oral agents can be appropriately modified. The more about the critical reviews have been discussed in this article to have a glimpse of the points mentioned above.