Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) is a valuable indicator of treatment effectiveness and should be measured every 3 months when glycemic targets are not being met and when diabetes therapy is being adjusted. Awareness of both measures of glycemia, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) results and A1C, provide the best information to assess glycemic control. SMBG should not be viewed as an intervention but rather as an aid to assess interventions and hypoglycemia.Timing and frequency of SMBG should be determined individually based on the type of diabetes, the treatment prescribed, the need for information about blood glucose (BG) levels and the individual's capacity to use the information from testing to modify behaviours or adjust medications. SMBG and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) should be linked with a structured educational and therapeutic program designed to facilitate behaviour change for improving BG levels.