OBJECTIVES: Self-monitoring-of-blood-glucose (SMBG) is a key pillar of diabetes management. An observational study analysed the influence of implementation of a colour-based blood-glucose meter to visualise target range on metabolic control and overall diabetes self-management in type 1 and type 2 insulin-treated diabetes patients. Furthermore, the impact of potential benefits on economic outcomes was investigated.

METHODS: RESULTS: After six month of SMBG with a colour-based blood-glucose meter participants showed an HbA1c reduction of 0.69 %, overall glycaemic control, diabetes management and patient satisfaction were improved. According to UKPDS risk-engine calculations this was associated with a 3 % decrease of MI risk in 10 years. We estimated the cost savings associated with this decrease as € 4.90 per patient-year. Considering 2.3 million insulin-treated patients in Germany the 3 % risk reduction of MI could result in annual savings of € 11.27 million. Combining this with a 10 % reduction in hypoglycaemic events, the cost savings would increase to € 30.61 per patient-year or € 70.4 million for 2.3 million insulin-treated patients in Germany.

CONCLUSIONS: The utilisation of a colour-based blood-glucose meter resulted in the improvement of metabolic control, diabetes self-management and patient satisfaction. Furthermore, it has the potential to generate substantial cost savings for the German Health system underlining the importance of user-friendly methods for SMBG. The long-term economic impact of recent innovation such as the flash-glucose-monitoring should be investigated.