Abstract
Currently there are approximately 415 million diabetic patients worldwide, and are expected to reach 642 million by 2024, implying that diabetes mellitus is a crucial global health concern. Goal of diabetes treatment is to reduce the risk of diabetic complications and ensure stable blood glucose control. SMBG (self-monitoring of blood glucose) is an essential link of good diabetes control. Recent studies provided new evidence that SMBG can effectively improve blood glucose stability in type 2 diabetes patients. The ISO 15197 standard requirements for the accuracy of blood glucose monitoring system had been renewed to the 2013 version, and mandate that it to be fully implemented by the industry in 2016. In 2014, the US FDA also announced a draft for new standard of blood glucose monitoring system. This suggested that the international standard for the accuracy of blood glucose monitoring system had been strengthened. However, the accuracy of self-monitoring of blood glucose system is affected by many confounding factors, such as inappropriate manipulation, different chemical properties of the reaction enzyme system, drug interference. By selecting a blood glucose monitoring system that qualified with the latest international standard, and properly avoiding those confounding factors of accuracy should made self-monitoring of blood glucose more reliable and useful for diabetic patients. Furthermore, patient's self-awareness, effective and efficient counselling from a qualified institute, and strengthening family support all are essential to ensure good diabetic control.