Y. Ikeda et A. Tsuruoka, SELF-MONITORING OF BLOOD-GLUCOSE, AS A MEANS OF SELF-MANAGEMENT, Diabetes research and clinical practice, 24, 1994, pp. 190000269-190000271
In Japan, the study of the self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was
started in 1976. After that, SMBG gradually became popular among the
diabetes clinics, and was covered by health insurance in 1987. Althoug
h performers of SMBG constitute only 35% of all insulin-treated patien
ts, it has been highly evaluated that 60% of patients with insulin-dep
endent diabetes perform SMBG. The results of this study of SMBG reveal
ed that it was useful for the prevention of chronic complications and
for the education of diabetes patients. New systems using an electroch
emical technology are developing so rapidly that the newest model with
no wiping or blotting of a blood sample, will help the spread of SMBG
. We must put emphasis on introducing SMBG as a means of self-manageme
nt to all patients with diabetes.