Schrock, L. Jour Diab Sci Tech 2008; 2(4):563-567.
Objective: this article reviews the literature and reports on a new study that documented the frequency of manual code-requiring blood glucose (BG) meters that were miscoded at the time of the patient's initial appointment in a hospital-based outpatient diabetes education program.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of checking the patient's BG meter code (if required) and procedure for testing BG at each encounter with a healthcare professional or providing the patient with a meter that does not require manual entry of a code number or chip to match the container of test strips (i.e., an autocode meter.)
Raine, CH et al. Jour Diab Sci Tech 2008; 2(4):557-562.
Objective: The proper use of many types of self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) meters requires calibration to match strip code. Studies have demonstrated the occurrence and impact on insulin dose of coding errors with SMBG meters. This paper reflects additional analyses performed on data from Raine et al published in 2007. It attempts to relate potential insulin dose errors to possible adverse blood glucose outcomes when glucose meters are miscoded.
Conclusion: Improperly coded blood glucose meters present potential for insulin dose errors and resultant clinically significant hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Patients should be instructed and periodically reinstructed in the proper use of blood glucose meters, particularly for meters that require coding.
Bode, B, et al. J Diab Sc Tech 2007; 1(3):405-411.
Measurement of A1c has long been accepted as the best indicator of overall glucose control. Until recently, these measurements have been available only through laboratory testing. This review article explores the advances made in technology to allow point-of-care testing.
Janssen, M et al. Jour Diab Sci Tech 2007; 1(1):47-53.
Objective: This study was conducted to investigate whether use of WinGLUCOFACTS™ would improve blood glucose control, diabetes related behaviors, and patient knowledge and attitudes. The cost effectiveness of this software in a primary care setting was also studied.
Conclusion: The use of WinGLUCOACTS™ Professional Software from Bayer HealthCare helped in the management of patients' diabetes. It improved overall glycemic control, increased their knowledge of diabetes, increased SMBG frequency, and their satisfaction with care, and was cost effective. The primary care physicians confirmed the benefit afforded by this software in the real-world management of diabetes.
Fisher, W. US Endocrine 2007: 51-53
This report reviews issues of adherence to blood glucose monitoring recommendations and factors influencing self-monitoring and discusses whether or not certain interventions can improve self-monitoring of blood glucose.
Raine, CH. US Endocrine 2007: 46-48
In this report, Dr. Raine comments on the importance of self-blood glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes. He states that therapeutic approaches must be progressive. SMBG is the singular, immediate, accurate measure available to the patient allowing therapy adjustment. With appropriate education, the patient and HCP alike can find value in testing for this patient population.
Raine, CH et al. Jour Diab Sci Tech 2007; 1(2) :205-210.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine inaccuracies of miscoded blood glucose (BG) meters and potential errors in insulin dose based on the values from these meters.
Conclusion: Blood glucose meter coding errors may result in significant insulin dose errors. To avoid errors, patients should be instructed to code their meters correctly or be advised to use an autocoded meter that showed superior performance over manually coded meters in this study.
Gavin, J. US Endocrine 2007: 42-45
This report reviews some of the literature on the value of SMBG and discusses how the SMBG can positively influence patient care and outcomes. He concludes that the optimal impact of SMBG is achieved only when the data obtained are consistently applied in an individualized program of monitoring, assessment, reassessment, problem-solving and decision-making.
Bode, B. US Endocrine 2007: 46-48
This report summarizes the importance of technique and technology in blood glucose monitoring. It addresses sources of interference, such as maltose and galactose, as well as oxygen, paracetamol, uric acid, bilirubin and hematocrit. Dr. Bode concludes that when selecting the optimal glucose meter, one must consider the individual patient needs, but also the ability of the glucose monitoring system to ensure minimum risk of interference.
Klonoff, D et al. Point of Care 2006; 5(3):116-120.
Objective: This study examines the performance and ease of use of A1c measurement with a single-use, disposable A1c test (A1cNOW) and a venous sample measured by a reference laboratory
Conclusion: Untrained users can operate the A1cNOW test with good performance equivalent to that obtained by trained medical professional users.