Question:
If I have diabetes, but don’t take insulin, do I need to check my blood sugars daily?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 7
Amount Saved: $500 per year of test strips (3 times per day)
MedHead Message:
If you have type 2 diabetes (most people with diabetes have type 2) and do not take insulin, don’t check your blood sugars very often, and if controlled, maybe not at all. How much you check your blood sugars per day doesn’t correlate with any improved outcomes in death, hospitalization, or diabetes associated complications. Save the money and plant a new garden in the front yard!
References:
1. https://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/aafp-daily-home-glucose-monitoring-for-patients-with-type-2-diabetes/ Accessed 7/12/19. 2. Malanda UL, Welschen LMC, Riphagen II, Dekker JM, Nijpels G, Bot SDM. Selfâmonitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are not using insulin. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD005060. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005060.pub3. 3. https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2014/10/diabetes-test-strips-cost-draft-update/ Accessed 7/12/19.
