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Assessing glycaemic control: Self-monitoring of blood glucose

Meetoo, D; McAllister, G; West, A

Authors

D Meetoo

G McAllister

A West



Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic, lifelong metabolic disorder
characterized by an elevated blood glucose level resulting from an
absolute or relative shortage of insulin. Self-monitoring of blood
glucose (SMBG) has escalated over the years following the outcomes
of evidence demonstrating a strong correlation between tight blood
glucose control and the significant reduction of diabetes-related
complications. While glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measures
mean glycaemic exposure during the preceding 2-3 months, it does
not provide day-to-day changes in glucose levels. SMBG represents
an important adjunct to HbA1c because it distinguishes among
fasting, preprandial (before a meal) and postprandial (after a meal)
hyperglycaemia and provides immediate feedback about the effect
of food choices, activity and medication on glycaemic control.
The successful outcome of glycaemic control cannot be effectively
achieved without the input of the nurse. The nurse’s role is to identify
people with diabetes who are most likely to benefit from SMBG and
provide them with appropriate education, problem solving skills and
ongoing support.

Citation

Meetoo, D., McAllister, G., & West, A. (2011). Assessing glycaemic control: Self-monitoring of blood glucose. British Journal of Nursing, 20(15), 919-925

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2011
Deposit Date Nov 15, 2011
Journal British Journal of Nursing
Print ISSN 0966-0461
Publisher MA Healthcare
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 20
Issue 15
Pages 919-925
Publisher URL http://www.internurse.com/cgi-bin/go.pl/library/article.cgi?uid=85684;article=BJN_20_15_919_925;format=pdf



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