The role of general physician in managing diabetes with self monitoring of blood glucose
Swaminathan, K.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association 110(4): 250-252
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5847 PMID: 23025227 Document Number: 656165
There is an alarming rise in the prevalence of diabetes in India. The long term microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes, especially in a genetically susceptible population, can be devastating. There is strong evidence that better glycaemic control, especially early in the course of diabetes, can lead to significant reductions in both microvascular and macrovascular complications. There are various tools available to intensify glycaemic control in a safe manner. One such important tool is self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) using a hand held glucose meter. Unfortunately, SMBG is underutilised in India due to various factors. The aim of this article is to increase the awareness of SMBG, so that general physicians can use this tool in a logical manner to improve glycaemic control and thereby reduce long term complications in patients with diabetes.