Aims: International diabetes guidelines have not established the frequencies of self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who do not use insulin. The present study aimed to assess the impact of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) frequencies on the glucose control and other outcomes in non-insulin-treated patients with T2D.
Methods: A literature search was performed in four databases. Randomised controlled trials with ≥6-month follow-up duration that compared the impact of different frequencies of SMBG on glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were included. Studies with abstract only or reported effects of SMBG as a secondary outcome were excluded.
Results: Of the 1557 studies identified, 12 RCTs with a total of 3350 patients were analysed. Overall, performing SMBG for 8 to 14 times per week was correlated with a better HbA1c control at 6 months (MD -0.46%, 95% CI -0.54 to -0.39) and 12 months (MD -0.20%, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.11). However, up to seven measurements of SMBG per week did not significantly affect glycaemic control. In addition, performing SMBG between 8 and 14 times per week was also associated with improved BMI (MD -0.46, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.08). When the results of SMBG were applied to adjust diabetes medication, a significant reduction in HbA1c levels was observed in the intervention arm compared to the control arm.
Conclusions: Eight to 14 measurements of SMBG per week were associated with an improved glycaemic control and a reduced BMI in patients with T2D not using insulin.
© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.