OBJECTIVES : Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) has been shown effectiveness among patients with type 2 diabetes. This meta-analysis aims to synthesize available published data regarding the use of SMBG in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS : Systematic literature review was conducted by two independent researchers (EF, TB) on 15/01/2021 in EMBASE and MEDLINE. Inclusion criteria were the following: type 2 diabetes, comparative effectiveness of SMBG vs no SMBG, randomised controlled trial (RCT) design of the study, published in the English language. The outcome of interest was a change in HbA1c.

RESULTS : 1576 citations were found, after excluding duplicates, of which 9 RCT were included. 6 RCTs included and evaluated HbA1c in 1167 randomized patients with an intervention duration of 6 months, and 3 RCT evaluated the change of HbA1c in 648 randomized patients with an intervention duration of 12 months. Short-term follow-up's overall effect showed a decrease in HbA1C: - 0.32 95%CI [-0.48; -0.15], favouring SMBG compared to the control group. A longer follow-up of 12 month's analysis also revealed a statistically significant decrease in HbA1C - 0.41 95%CI [-0.54;-0.28].

CONCLUSIONS : This meta-analysis reveals the overall effectiveness of SMBG compared to control on HbA1C levels in patients with type 2 diabetes in both 6 and 12 months follow-up. Further subgroup analysis is needed to investigate the impact of SMBG depending on the baseline level of HbA1C and other factors such as diet, oral hypoglycaemic drugs and insulin in type 2 diabetes management.