Self monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Secondary prevention of adverse effects of diabetes can be minimized with use of the new standards for self monitoring from the Center for Clinical Excellence on the UK (NICE). Self monitoring supported by education is therefore one of the key tools available to people with diabetes to enable them to self manage effectively. Essential to this is the person being able to discuss the purpose of self monitoring, how to interpret and act upon results. It is important that the blood glucose levels being aimed for are as near normal as possible (that is in the range of those of a person who does not have diabetes).