title: Diabetic control--a critical evaluation of current methods of assessment.
abstract: The value of a number of currently used parameters in the assessment of diabetic control was critically assessed in one hundred and seventy seven diabetics. Each method was compared with the results of 5 blood glucose values taken at selected times during the 24 hours. In all diabetic patients, clinical assessment, semi-quantitative urine tests both at home and in hospital and 24-hour quantitative urinary glucose values can at best indicate only poor diabetic control. They failed to do this in a substantial number of cases. In insulin dependent diabetics, isolated blood glucose readings are of very limited value in predicting good diabetic control. In maturity onset type diabetes, a single blood glucose reading is a reliable index of diabetic control. The implications of these findings in the practical management of diabetes are considered.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006029:Glycosuria; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin