Benefits of SMBG
* By keeping a record of blood sugars over a period of weeks, one can identify ways in which food, exercise or other factors influence the blood sugar levels.
* It also provides the clue if the symptoms being experienced— sweating, feeling giddy, etc. - are the result of a low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
* Defines the level of glycaemic control achieved.
* Home blood sugar monitoring provides the patient with instant information that allows immediate adjustments in the treatment program to keep the blood sugar under control during periods of sickness or stress.
* Increases patient participation, motivation and interest.
* The patient is thus in control of his disease and has an improved quality of life; and thus has less frequent visits to the hospitals.
SMBG should ideally be done by all the diabetics. However, if not possible in all cases, SMBG should be carried out at least in following conditions:
* Pregnant diabetics
* Acute illnesses
* Surgical emergencies
* Recurrent hypoglycemia
* Brittle diabetes
* Voluntary fasting
* Hypoglycemia unawareness
* Acute and severe peripheral neuropathy
* Altered renal thresholds
* Anyone who desires closer diabetes control.