Background: Accurate self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a key component of effective self-management of glycemic control. Methods: The OneTouch Verio Reflect and OneTouch Ultra Plus Reflect BG monitoring systems were evaluated for accuracy in a clinical setting. Subjects also used the meters for a one-week trial period and reported their level of satisfaction with meter features. Results: Both systems were accurate over a wide glucose range and met lay user and system accuracy BG standards described in ISO15197:2015. Subjects felt that the features of a meter with a dynamic color range indicator and personalized guidance, insight, and encouragement could provide significant benefits to them in the management of their diabetes. Conclusions: Both meter systems were accurate over a wide glucose range and the features of the meter and messages were well received by patients in a short take-home trial. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT0351542

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Community service-learning (CSL) has been referred to as a “pedagogy for citizenship,” as it enhances ethical behavior and social responsibility among student participants. It represents a pedagogical and philosophical approach that promotes experiential learning by incorporating intentional course-based lessons with service in the community. Despite the numerous studies outlining the benefits of CSL initiatives, there is a dearth of research on how CSL courses can impact students already in the “helping professions.” More specifically, there is very little research on the benefits of CSL in social work field education courses. For this study, the researchers found that developing a CSL practicum led to a substantive shift in professional understanding for the students who participated in a CSL learning opportunity. Although the traditional and CSL groups began their practicum experiences believing the primary role of a social worker was to build and maintain healthy relationships with service users, the CSL group saw their primary role switch from a “micro practice” to a “macro practice” worker. CSL offers social work education additional unique opportunities to support the development of student's social work core values, knowledge, and skills.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. New diagnoses continue to rise along with the significance of the disease. Changing lifestyles lead to a reduction in physical activity and increase in obesity rates. As a result the costs for healthcare provision are rising. Along with education and healthier lifestyle choices, self monitoring of glucose levels can help keep glucose levels under control thus helping to reduce complications of the condition, thereby reducing the impact to national healthcare budgets. Technology advances, particularly in the semiconductor industry, have helped reduce the costs of electronic components. Glucose meter manufacturers have leveraged these trends to produce lower cost devices, combined with diabetes management tools purposefully designed for developing countries have enable greater penetration and reach more of the diabetic population.

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