Many studies show that, once target control is achieved, routine self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) does little to control blood sugar for most adults with type 2 diabetes who don’t use insulin or other medications that could increase risk for hypoglycemia. It should be noted that SMBG may be indicated during acute illness, medication change or pregnancy; when a history or risk of hypoglycemia exists (e.g., if using a sulfonylurea), and when individuals need monitoring to maintain targets — considerations that should be part of assessment and client education.
Sources:
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Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Optimal therapy recommendations for the prescribing and use of blood glucose test strips. CADTH Technol Overv. 2010;1(2):e0109. PMID: 22977401.
Canadian Diabetes Association. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) recommendation tool for healthcare providers [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2019 Aug 26].
Choosing Wisely Canada. Canadian Society for Endocrinology and Metabolism: Five things physicians and patients should question [Internet]. 2017 Jun [cited 2017 Feb 2].
Choosing Wisely Canada. College of Family Physicians of Canada: Eleven things physicians and patients should question [Internet]. 2019 Jul [cited 2016 Oct 21].
Gomes T, et al. Blood glucose test strips: options to reduce usage. CMAJ. 2010 Jan 12;182(1):35-8. PMID: 20026624.
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