Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
IV. SELF-MONITORING OF BLOOD GLUCOSE
Diabetes nowadays is a disease controlled at home. Contemporary home
BG meters (see Figure 5-3) provide a convenient means for frequent and
accurate BG determination through SMBG.
SMBG devices store large amounts of data—hundreds of BG readings
with the date and time for each—and can compute some summary
statistics, such as estimates of the mean BG over the previous two
weeks. The meters are usually accompanied by software with expanded
capabilities for data analysis, review, and graphical representation.
Given a set of SMBG readings downloaded from a subject's meter,
various SMBG characteristics are routinely computed: mean,
standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and range of BG, as well as
percentage of SMBG readings below or above certain BG levels.
However, there is a missing link between the data collected by the BG
meters on one side, and the evaluation of HbA 1c and the risk for
hypoglycemia on the other. Currently, there are no reliable methods for
evaluating HbA 1c and recognizing imminent hypoglycemia based on
SMBG readings. One can speculate that one reason for the missing link
is that these advanced home monitoring devices, as well as the clinical
methods for assessment and data collection, are infrequently supported
by diabetes-specific, mathematically sophisticated quantitative
procedures.
FIGURE 5-3.
Self-monitoring devices. Panel A: Lifescan OneTouch UtraSmart TM ; panel B: Abbott Diabetes Care
FreeStyle FLASH TM .
Search WWH ::




Custom Search