Priorities of self-monitoring of blood glucose in a treatment of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aim. To describe a role of self-monitoring of glycemia in a treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and in a prevention of vascular complications of DM. Materials and methods. Data of 57 scientific sources from Russian and foreign literature published within 2005-2017 are considered. Results and conclusions. DM is a chronic disease associated with a development of micro- and macrovascular complications and to prevent them is an important task of modern medicine. In patients with DM an incidence of cardiovascular diseases is 2-3 times higher compared with the general population. Hyperglycemia is among the major damaging factors for the cardiovascular system. Clinical studies have clearly demonstrated that programs of therapeutic management of diabetic patients which include regular self-monitoring of glycemia lead to a better reduction of glycated hemoglobin levels compared to programs without self-monitoring as well as they help many patients to avoid late complications. СКГ rate is correlated with glycated hemoglobin levels. Regular self-monitoring allows you to avoid sudden and dangerous fluctuations in glycemia, including hypoglycemia, which contribute to high cardiovascular risk. The use of self-monitoring of glycemia in combination with structured patient education is associated with improving the quality of life of patients with DM. Current view on self-monitoring implies a certain frequency of blood glucose systematic measurement (varies depending on the type of glucose-lowering therapy and the degree of diabetes compensation) and is an important reference point used by both the doctor and the patient to assess a treatment outcome and to correct it if necessary. An availability of modern glucometers and skills of their correct and regular use turn a patient into an active and valuable participant in a management of DM. Achieving and maintaining the target glycemia levels depends largely on an accuracy of the glucometer since measurement results provide the basis for changing a glucose-lowering therapy if necessary. From the physician's point of view, the most important criterion for selecting a glucometer is compliance with the accuracy standards, and from the patient’s point of view this is convenience and ease of use. Thanks to improving technologies that increases an accuracy of blood glucose measurements, the procedure for self-monitoring of glycemia is simplified, which contributes to glucose-lowering therapy effectiveness and treatment compliance.