Diabetes self-care poor in Scotland
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Most diabetics inadequately monitor their own blood glucose levels, according to a study of 800 Scottish diabetics. It found that less than 20% of subjects tested their blood glucose levels daily. Many did no tests at all (British Medical Journal, vol 319, July 10, pp83-86). The researchers found a close relationship between testing frequency and improved control of blood sugar levels. They estimate the annual cost of self-testing four times a day at £409 ($600) - much lower than the cost of treating diabetic complications.