| Abstract: |
This article describes a method for evaluating and interpreting self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) results in the office and clinic setting. The authors contend that such interpretation in the presence of patients may facilitate improved patient-provider discussion, clinical decisions, and the ability to manage glycemic patterns. They outline key steps that should be included in a systematic review of SMBG data: identifying the degree of blood glucose control using mean and standard deviation or variance, identifying patient safety concerns with regard to hypoglycemia, understanding the factors influencing blood glucose control by noting trends and patterns, suggesting strategies for achieving improved blood glucose control, and providing reinforcement to patients with diabetes that this information is valuable and useful in their care. Specific topics include patient records and logbook reviews, meter memories and computation, meter downloads and analysis, problems with basal glucose control, problems with prandial glucose control, frequency of testing, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The article includes case studies that illustrate the process for using and interpreting electronic SMBG downloads. One chart summarizes selected diabetes management software programs. 5 figures. 4 tables. 17 references. |