Clinical review for general practice

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (dm) is a disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and the development and progression of severe microvascular complications. The results of the AdVAnce, Accord and VAdT large-scale research studies have definitely proved that glycemic control plays a role in prevention of the dm microvascular complications. A number of studies have shown that glycemic variability parameters play a separate role in prediction of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular complications. Adolescents with type 1 dm are characterized by the labile disease course and the tendency to develop hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. modern approach to type 1 dm management, especially in adolescents, includes the need for mandatory self-monitoring of blood glucose (BG). Adolescents with type 1 dm are unable to achieve target glucose levels themselves at home without BG monitoring. Glycemic control in type 1 dm should be accurate, simple and convenient, allowing patients to adjust insulin therapy for dm on their own. Selection of BG monitor is one of the main aspects of self-monitoring of BG. From the doctor's point of view, compliance with accuracy standards is the most important criterion for choosing the glucose meter, while from the patient’s perspective it is convenience and ease of use. With improvements in technology, the accuracy of BG measurement increases, the self-monitoring of BG procedure gets simpler, which results in higher adherence to treatment and treatment efficacy. It is impossible to achieve and maintain target BG levels without active full-fledged participation of patient with type 1 dm, self-monitoring of BG using the advanced, accurate and convenient for patient glucose meter, such as contour Plus one.