Continuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in children with type 1 diabetes-the pros and cons

Glucose monitoring is essential for modern diabetes treatment and the achievement of near-normal glycemic levels. Monitoring of blood glucose provides the data necessary for patients to make daily management decisions related to food intake, insulin dose, and physical exercise and it can enable patients to avoid potentially dangerous episodes of hypo- and hyperglycemia. Additionally, monitoring can provide healthcare providers with the information needed to identify glycemic patterns, educate patients, and adjust insulin. Presently, youth with type 1 diabetes can self-monitor blood glucose via home blood glucose meters, or monitor glucose concentrations nearly continuously using a continuous glucose monitor. There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of either of these technologies. This article describes the two technologies and the research supporting their use in the management of youth with type 1 diabetes in order to weigh their relative pros and cons.