Two Tests Needed for Good Diabetes Management

A recent study indicates that both self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and more precise physician testing of hemoglobin1c (HbA1c) are necessary to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels and manage their disease.

Christopher Saudek, M.D., and colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Diabetes Center (Baltimore, MD, USA) reviewed data from studies conducted between 1976 and 2005 and published their conclusions in a clinical review in the April 12, 2006, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). "The message is, we have tools that are very accurate, but they don't work at all if they are not used properly,” said Christopher Saudek, M.D. "If the goal of the treatment is to prevent morbidity and mortality, we need to do a better job of monitoring our patients, as well as advising them.”

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), an estimated 14.6 million people in the United States alone are suffering from diabetes, a disease that is marked by the body's inability to break down glucose or sugar.

SMBG conducted by patients gives an accurate reflection of immediate blood glucose levels. An HbA1c, test, however, performed in a doctor's office or clinic, gives a better indication of long-term blood glucose control, which can be influenced by a number of physiologic and behavioral factors. Dr. Saudek recommends that diabetics have their physician conduct HbA1c tests every three to six months. The frequency of self- monitoring varies according to the individual case and can be between once daily to six times a day or even more if the blood sugar remains high.

Dr. Saudek added, "Assessing glycemia in diabetes can be a challenge, but approaches are available that promote successful management of blood glucose and may lead to a significant reduction in incidence and medical treatments of diabetes.”



Related Links:
John Hopkins Diabetes Center
American Diabetes Association