Commentary: Glucose Self-monitoring in Non-Insulin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care Settings: A Randomized Trial
Abstract
The articles published by Young et al.have presented the results and protocol of their Monitor Trial Study, comparing three approaches to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) to the subsequent outcome of their HbA1c metabolic control, by investigating 3 groups of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients treated with non-insulin antidiabetics, i.e., "no SMBG," "once daily SMBG," and "once daily SMBG with enhanced patient feedback" groups. The authors concluded that neither clinically nor statistically significant differences were found after year 1 of the study, thus expressing a skeptical view toward the routine use of SMBG in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.
A comprehensive list of metanalysis, studies, and recommendations presenting inconsistent results and advice as to the use of SMBG in treating T2DM patients were mentioned in the article The Authors also considered the fact that there was only lower grade evidence (B, C, D) supporting SMBG treatment, including our paper recommending specified SMBG use. The Monitor Trial Study team has collected and analyzed a large amount of data, leading to interesting and profound debate.
Nevertheless, we would like to make three comments that may contribute to further, more detailed discussion of the issue.