Multiple daily self-glucose monitoring: its essential role in long-term glucose control in insulin-dependent diabetic patients treated with pump and multiple subcutaneous injections

Twenty-one insulin-dependent diabetic patients, previously treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), multiple subcutaneous insulin injections (MSI), and a combination of CSII and MSI (combined CSII-MSI) all supported by frequent capillary self-blood glucose (CBG) determinations (5-7 times daily) participated in a program to assess the importance of frequent CBG monitoring. We used a crossover design where diabetic control as measured by mean blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were compared during periods of frequent and infrequent capillary blood glucose monitoring. Diabetic control was significantly better during periods of frequent self-glucose monitoring. We conclude that in compliant, motivated young adults with insulin-dependent diabetes, frequent self-glucose monitoring is critical for the long-term maintenance of glycemic control.