Blood glucose monitoring: an overview.

Glucose monitoring is done to obtain information on blood glucose levels to ensure a therapeutic regimen; the aim is to maintain consistent glucose levels and avoid hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. Self-management is central to diabetes control. Diabetes is individual, so self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) targets and frequency of testing must be decided to meet each patient's needs. Nurses have key roles in education and advocacy. They can educate patients on what affects glucose levels, why they need to carry out SMBG, and how to interpret and act on the results. Nurses also match glucose monitoring meters to patients' needs by considering ease of use, technical features and lifestyle. Access to testing supplies is sometimes restricted through blanket policies and nurses have an advocacy role here in challenging inappropriate restrictions.