Guidance issued on self-monitoring of glucose levels in type 2 diabetes

When supported by appropriate education and regular assessment by healthcare practitioners, self-monitoring should form a central part of disease management for people with diabetes. Failure to control blood glucose levels can lead to more serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, retinopathy and kidney disease.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and affects over two million people in the United Kingdom alone. The provision of blood glucose monitoring devices allows these people to manage their condition independently, and BIVDA fully welcomes the new point-of-care initiative.

Commenting on the guidance, BIVDA director general Doris-Ann Williams said: “We welcome the new guidance issued by NICE, which encourages the self-monitoring of blood glucose levels by people with diabetes. It forms a central part of diabetes management and allows individuals to manage their condition independently, with increased freedom and flexibility.”

www.bivda.co.uk