Comment on: Polonsky et al. Structured Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Significantly Reduces A1C Levels in Poorly Controlled, Noninsulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the Structured Testing Program Study. Diabetes Care 2011;34:262–267
- Jeffrey W. Stephens, FRCP1,
- Julie E. Carman, MBBCH1,
- Caroline J. Brooks, BSC2,
- Ronan A. Lyons, MD2,
- David V. Ford, MBA2,
- David E. Price, FRCP3 and
- Stephen C. Bain, FRCP1
- From the 1Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, U.K.; the
- 2Health Information Research Unit, Swansea University, Swansea, U.K.; and the
- 3Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, U.K
- Corresponding author: Jeffrey W. Stephens, j.w.stephens{at}swansea.ac.uk.
We read with interest the article by Polonsky et al. (1) reporting that self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) improves glycemic control in noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes. In the U.K., SMBG is recommended for insulin-treated diabetes (2), and controversy exists in relation to treatment with lifestyle advice or oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs). A Cochrane review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of SMBG in noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes (3). Furthermore, a health technology assessment review suggests that SMBG has limited clinical effectiveness in improving glycemic control in noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes (4). In view of the widespread use of SMBG, cost implications, and the fact that U.K. management algorithms are based on HbA …
