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Diabetics do not benefit from regular blood sugar testing

Category: Diabetes

Many individuals with type 2 diabetes are instructed by their doctors to take regular blood tests to measure their glucose levels. However, new research indicates that this may not be linked to better health or treatment outcomes.

Researchers from the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam reviewed the findings of 12 previous studies involving more than 3,000 diabetics. The goal was to determine if individuals who regularly utilized blood testing had better control over their glucose levels.

The results showed that individuals who did test their blood sugar levels regularly had HbA1c scores that were an average of 0.3 percent healthier. However, even this marginal benefit evaporated after about 12 months.

Despite having information about their blood sugar management from the testing, diabetics appeared not be taking any action to lower their glucose levels when necessary.

The team concluded that regular blood sugar testing may not benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes. The findings could have significant implications for the treatment of the condition, as testing is currently considered a primary component of effective glucose management. However, testing supplies can also be expensive. Eliminating the need for regular testing could lead to major savings.