Evidence
This table is a summary of the analysis reported in a guideline (underpinned by a systematic review) that focuses on the above important clinical question.
Confidence in the evidence is very low or low where GRADE has been performed and there is a trade off between benefits and harms of the intervention.
Population: Adults with type 2 diabetes
Intervention: Self-monitoring blood glucose
Comparison: No self-monitoring blood glucose (including usual care and self-monitoring of urine glucose)
| Outcome | Effectiveness (BMJ rating)? | Confidence in evidence (GRADE)? |
|---|---|---|
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (follow up: 24-52 weeks) | Favors intervention | Low |
Fasting blood glucose (mmol/L) (follow up: 26-52 weeks) | Favors intervention | Low |
Postprandial blood glucose (mg/dL) at 26 weeks for adults with type 2 diabetes on diet, antidiabetic, and/or insulin medicines (follow up: 6 months) | Favors intervention | Low |
Any hypoglycemia from 26-52 weeks (follow up: 6-12 months) | Favors comparison | Low |
Severe hypoglycemia from 26-52 weeks (follow up: 6-12 months) | No statistically significant difference | Low |
Adverse events at 6 months for adults with type 2 diabetes on oral antidiabetes medicines (follow up: 6 months) | No statistically significant difference | Moderate |
Recommendations as stated in the source guideline The guideline development group states: do not routinely offer self-monitoring of blood glucose levels for adults with type 2 diabetes unless: the person is on insulin or there is evidence of hypoglycemic episodes or the person is on oral medication that may increase their risk of hypoglycemia while driving or operating machinery or the person is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant.
Note The guideline development group noted that self-monitoring of blood glucose provides the potential for tight glycemic control which reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications. However, the impact on hypoglycemic events is important in determining the safety and acceptability in patients.
This evidence table is related to the following section/s:
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