Encouraging people with diabetes to get the most from blood glucose monitoring: Observing and acting upon blood glucose patterns

The relationship between good glycaemic control and the development and progression of microvascular and macrovascular complications in people with diabetes is now well established; however, target HbA_1c levels are difficult to achieve for many people. Self-monitoring of blood glucose, if used as part of a structured education programme, can help to optimise glycaemic control. People with diabetes need training in the appropriate use of blood glucose monitoring equipment, so that they know to observe for blood glucose patterns and what action to take if blood glucose levels are outside of individual target ranges. This article gives a general overview of how to monitor glycaemic control and focuses on the importance of observing for blood glucose patterns to optimise treatment.