Proposed Strategies for Reducing User Error in Capillary Blood Glucose Monitoring

For individuals with diabetes mellitus, CBGM provides a more accurate picture of daily glucose fluctuation than urine glucose testing (1–9). As a result, CBGM is the preferred method to assess short-term glucose control and provide data for management decisions and insulin adjustment (10–16). Moreover, the wide availability of glucose monitoring systems designed for patient use has made SMBG the standard of care in diabetes management for all capable persons with insulin-requiring diabetes and an appropriate management tool for persons with non-insulin-requiring diabetes (13–20). In spite of the relative accuracy of current CBGM systems in measuring blood glucose levels, a recent study by the FDA suggests that user-procedural errors can cause inaccurate results (21). Inaccurate data affect patients efforts to achieve good metabolic control and, if used as the basis for regimen adjustment, may endanger health (21–42). Therefore, until reliable, technique-free systems are available, the accuracy of data with this technology must be improved through reduction of user error. This article presents strategies to accomplish this goal recommended by a national group of experts, the NSCQA in CBGM.