The key to effective diabetes management is the adoption of a
systematic approach of collecting, interpreting, and acting on blood
glucose data.
Collecting – Glucose profiling has consistently been associated with
improved glycaemic control, whether evaluated as part of an intensive
insulin management strategy or as a component of management of
patients not treated with insulin.28–30 Intensive insulin therapy guided
by SMBG performed at least four times per day was associated with
a > 2.0% reduction in HbA1c.28 Similar findings were observed in
patients with type-2 diabetes.29
Interpreting – Traditionally, people with diabetes keep handwritten
blood glucose (BG) logs. Although useful, and a necessary component
of diabetes management, logbooks can be incomplete, inaccurate
and illegible, which may lead to faulty analyses of BG trends
associated with meals, medications and daily activities. The use of
data-management software may help both patients and health care
professionals manage these profiles and achieve glycaemic control.
Ascensia®‚ WinGLUCOFACTS®‚ Professional Software from Bayer
HealthCare was developed to assist in diabetes management by
providing text and graphic presentations of downloaded data. It has
a unique Data Wizard™ tool that automatically identifies BG trends.31
The use of WinGLUCOFACTS:
• helped in the management of patients’ diabetes
• increased their knowledge of diabetes
• increased SMBG frequency
• improved overall glycaemic control
• increased patients’ satisfaction with their care
• is cost effective
The primary care physicians confirmed the benefit afforded by this
software in the real-world management of diabetes.31 To download
this software free of charge, go to http://software.ascencia.com
Acting – By using a systematic approach based on pre- and postmeal
targets, it is possible to continually evaluate the effectiveness
of the diabetes management protocol by analysing the blood
glucose data to assess for specific patterns.32 Blood glucose meter
downloads may aid in the recognition of these patterns. If certain
patterns emerge (e.g. significant postprandial glycaemic excursions
following breakfast) the management plan can be reassessed, and
appropriate action taken, by both the health care professional and
the patient.32 The ability of the patient, as well as the health care
provider, to recognise patterns and implement changes is a critical
component of affecting positive outcomes using glucose profiling.
Taken as a whole, clinical evidence strongly suggests that the
systematic use of glucose profiles from SMBG data improves
glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. It is important, however,
that SMBG data be accurately obtained and reviewed so that patterns
of glycaemic variability can be addressed through changes in patient
management plans. Patient education regarding SMBG, interpretation
of glucose profiles, and adjustments to the management plan may
facilitate adherence to appropriate treatment regimens and improve
outcomes.