Type 2 Diabetics: Finger-Stick Blood Testing May Not Be Needed

[kerouac2]

In the first large pragmatic trial of its kind in the U.S., results from a UNC study show that finger-stick blood sugar checking may not help non-insulin using type 2 diabetes patients.

In a landmark study, UNC School of Medicine researchers have shown that blood glucose testing does not offer a significant advantage in blood sugar control or quality of life for type 2 diabetes patients who are not treated with insulin.

The paper, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, details findings from a randomized trial called “The MONITOR Trial.” This study is the first large pragmatic study examining glucose monitoring in the United States.

Full story ->

http://thediabeticnews.com/type-2-diabetics-finger-stick-blood-testing-may-not-be-needed/

[JenniferJuniper]

1. It absolutely is needed during

the early weeks and months after diagnosis. Diabetics must learn how different foods affect their glucose levels and the only way to do this is close monitoring before and after meals.

[kerouac2]

2. Absolutely!

From the story:

Patients living with diabetes should discuss the need for blood sugar monitoring with their health care providers. If together a patient and their provider decide that blood sugar monitoring is not necessary, patients could be spared hundreds of finger sticks and save hundreds of dollars every year, at least until insulin treatment is required.