Priorities of self-monitoring of glycemia: an important component of successful diabetes management

Abstract

Effective treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) is modern medicine’s big challenge. Chronic hyperglycemia is a key factor in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications that determine life prognosis. Achieving and maintaining optimal glycemic controli is crucial for the management of diabetes and minimizing the risk of the whole range of diabetic complications. The role of self-monitoring of glycemia (SMG) in the management of diabetes and in the prevention of diabetic complications is discussed. Stable compensation of DM can be achieved by using effective therapy and regular SMG, which provides accurate and timely information about carbohydrate metabolism status. Treatment of diabetes as a chronic disease is a lifelong processs, in which both the doctor and the patient must definitely participate. SMG involves patients in the treatment process, provides them with the opportunity to become its active full-fledged participant, and helps improve glycemic control. Lack of proper glycemic control is one of the reasons for unsatisfactory glycemic levels in many patients with diabetes. Findings from clinical studies and real-world clinical practice demonstrating an improvement in carbohydrate metabolism markers due to regular SMG are presented. HbA1c levels begin to improve significantly as soon as the patient improves the frequency of SCG, regardless of the type of DM or the type of glucose-lowering therapy. The modern understanding of SMG implies a certain frequency of routine measurements of glucose levels. Advanced technologies provide additional opportunities to achieve optimal and safe blood glucose levels in patients with DM using modern blood glucose meters. Compliance with standards of accuracy is the most important criterion for choosing a blood glucose meter that is convenient and easy to use.