Home blood glucose monitoring.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of self-monitoring blood glucose including home blood glucose meters and patient education.


METHODS
A MEDLINE search (January 1966-January 1998) was conducted to identify original and review articles. Search terms included self-monitoring blood glucose and blood glucose monitoring. Owner's manuals and package inserts were reviewed to determine specific characteristics for each glucose meter.


METHODS
All current original and review articles about self-monitoring blood glucose and home blood glucose meters were included if they contained information about benefits of self-monitoring blood glucose, technology and performance of blood glucose meters, quality control, selection characteristics of blood glucose meters, and patient education.


RESULTS
Self-monitoring of blood glucose has become an increasingly vital component of the care of the diabetic patient. Many glucose monitors are available with various features that may be confusing to pharmacists. Pharmacists need to be able to aid patients in the selection of an appropriate glucose meter and provide the education necessary for proper use and follow-up. Patient education is a key component in optimizing the potential benefits of self-monitoring.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-monitoring of blood glucose, if used properly, can have a positive effect by increasing patient involvement in overall diabetes care. Pharmacists are accessible and can teach patients necessary skills that will enhance their ability to self-manage blood glucose.
Foster
S A
SA
School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, USA.
Goode
J V
JV
Small
R E
RE
D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic