DiGEM: value of glucose self‐monitoring in type 2 diabetes

A randomised controlled trial published in a peer‐reviewed journal is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ of information about the effectiveness of a treatment; however, critical appraisal of trials is required in order to judge the value and implications of the results. Here, the author presents an appraisal of the DiGEM study, which considered the effectiveness of self‐monitoring of blood glucose in patients with noninsulin‐treated diabetes.

Farmer A, Wade A, Goyder E, et al. Impact of self‐monitoring of blood glucose in the management of patients with non‐insulin treated diabetes: open parallel group randomised trial. BMJ 2007;335:132‐6. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd