Association between frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aim: To determine the association between the frequency of self -monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The retrospective study analyzed data from 3,630 patients with type 2 diabetes who were enrolled between August 2020 and July 2021. 2456 non-insulin-treated patients were divided into SMBG <= 6 times/week and > 6 times/week groups. 1174 insulin-treated patients were divided into SMBG <= 9 times/week and > 9 times/week groups. Propensity score matching was used to generate groups with well-balanced covariates. Primary outcomes were changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose (PBG) from baseline to 6 months. Results: In the non-insulin-treated group, a comparison in FBG and PBG reduction between the SMBG > 6 times/ week and <= 6 times/week groups was statistically significant (-0.59 vs. -0.18 mmol/l, P < 0.001; -0.91 vs. -0.36 mmol/l, P < 0.001). In the insulin-treated group, there was no statistically significant reduction in FBG or PBG, patients with baseline FBG > 8 or 9 mmol/l and SMBG > 9 times/week had a significant FBG reduction than the <= 9 times/week group. Conclusion: Frequent SMBG was associated with better glycemic control in non-insulin-treated patients. Insulintreated patients with poor glycemic control may benefit from frequent SMBG.