Current approaches to blood glucose self-monitoring in patients with diabetes mellitus: Clinical experience with high-precision monitoring systems

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases and is associated with a high risk of macrovascular and microvascular complication. Effective glycemic control is a key factor in preventing complications and improving disease prognosis. Poor glycemic control increases the risk of developing late complications of diabetes mellitus, raising the need for effective blood glucose monitoring. It should be borne in mind that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level is measured retrospectively, usually no more frequently than once every 3 to 4 months, which doesn’t provide an opportunity to assess blood glucose fluctuations and readily respond to them. It is self-monitoring of glycemia using individual blood glucose meters that enables routine monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments. Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an important role in achieving target glycemic levels. Modern blood glucose self-monitoring systems provide high measurement accuracy according to international standards and include additional features aimed at improving usability and interpretation by patients. These features include color indicators of the target glycemic range, synchronization with mobile applications, and technologies allowing reapplication of a blood sample to the test strip if the initial volume is insufficient. This article discusses current approaches to blood glucose self-monitoring in patients with diabetes, clinical significance of measurement accuracy, and the potential of modern technologies to improve patient adherence. The use of advanced blood glucose monitoring systems characterized by accurate measurements and user-friendly features can increase the disease control efficacy, enhance patient adherence to therapy, and reduce the risk of hypoglycemic events. Clinical cases illustrating the practical value of the Contour® Plus Elite self-monitoring system (Ascensia Diabetes Care) in patients of different ages and with comorbidities are presented.

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