Recent research by the American Diabetes Association has shown that self monitoring of blood glucose can significantly improve the glycaemic control in patient with type 2 diabetes. See article below
(American Diabetes Association scientific sessions, abstract 26-LB.)  

HPTH UK asks when Hypoparathyroidism patients will be able to gain access to home testers to help improve their calcaemic control? The effects of low blood calcium levels are as difficult to manage as  those of blood glucose levels but because there are so few HPTH patients, the provision of home testers is not economically viable for the manufacturers. Existing home calcium testers are not only prohibitively expensive but can only be used by a doctor who has successfully applied to the MHRA for a licence.

Article from Pulse 28/06/10:
The clinical value and utility of patient self-management of blood glucose remains controversial, but a randomised controlled trial of the technique in over 500 patients in the US found a collaborative programme, where patients and doctors interpret self-monitored blood sugar readings, can improve blood sugar control.

The data from 522 patients with type 2 diabetes and a HbA1c level of 7.5% or higher from 35 primary care practices in the US was presented this weekend at the American Diabetes Association meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Patients were randomised to a structured testing protocol using a home blood glucose test that collects and interprets a 7-point glucose profiles over three consecutive days, or an active control group. Patients who monitored their own blood glucose completed the tool quarterly and brought it to quarterly doctor appointments.

The GPs involved in the intervention were given training in suggested medication strategies in response to the patient’s blood glucose patterns over the previous three months.

94% of self-monitoring patients received at least one treatment change recommendation during the 12 months, compared with 63% in the active control group.

Over the year, both groups showed significant reductions in diabetes-related distress and depression and a significant increase in positive well-being.

Dr William Polonsky, chief executive officer of the behavioral diabetes institute at the University of California, concluded: ‘Use of structured self-monitoring of blood glucose significantly improves glycaemic control in non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, without increasing emotional distress, when both patients and physicians collaborate to gather, interpret and appropriately utilise structured self-monitored blood glucose data.’'

Lilian Anekwe, Pulse 28/06/10