Portable meters for self-monitoring of blood glucose.

Abstract

Patients with diabetes mellitus are now able to monitor their own blood glucose frequently and easily with the availability of simple to use portable devices that provide rapid answer regarding blood glucose levels. Many models of these self-blood glucose monitors are available, with new meters rapidly replacing the old versions. This paper will review the current devices available for self-monitoring of blood glucose and the new innovations recently introduced. It will also discuss the need for quality control and the influence of self-monitoring on glycaemic control.