Nursing in Practice: Self monitoring of blood glucose levels

Conclusion

Many nurses will be bound by local guidance restricting blood glucose monitoring for patients with type 2 diabetes not on insulin therapy. However there is now a growing body of robust evidence that suggests if included as a component of self-management education in people with type 2 diabetes then it can be cost effective and improve quality of life. Diabetes UK is very clear in its position statements on this topic that there should be no postcode lottery and that every individual should be assessed and supported to perform SMBG if appropriate. (15,16,17) The actual procedure has become easier over the last few years. Utilising SMBG into existing self-management strategies is the challenge for both nurses and patients working together to improve diabetes self-management.

http://www.nursinginpractice.com/article/self-monitoring-blood-glucose-levels?

Jan1 wrote:Don't know what other readers may be thinking BUT I thought the link and article from 'Nursing In Practice' was an excellent one, and an interesting read.

It is unfair to have post code lottery's as to who can readily get test strips whilst others can't... and surely if you are a diabetic Type 1 or 2 your blood sugar numbers if you want to get and keep safe control is a necessity?

Just my thoughts .... would you agree I wonder?

All the best Jan