The Two Skill Sets of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Education: The Operational and the Interpretive

In Brief The usefulness of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) requires patients with diabetes to be competent and confident in their ability to carry out glucose testing and interpret its results to guide lifestyle choices and improve outcomes. SMBG instruction can be offered in a variety of settings by a wide array of health care professionals. However, patients too often receive no formal SMBG training. The two skills sets required to successfully perform SMBG include 1) operating a glucose meter and 2) appropriately interpreting SMBG data. Whenever diabetes education is provided, both skill sets, as well as potential barriers, should be assessed for all patients.