In search of accuracy for blood glucose monitoring

The aim of this article is to explore the various issues that are important for the accurate measurement of blood glucose. It will further discuss how the requirement for tighter accuracy has resulted in a shift from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO),¹ to the introduction of the updated ISO.² The likely implications of such changes for people with diabetes will be reviewed in this article.

Blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMS) are widely recognised as an integral component of adequate diabetes management. They enable people with diabetes to monitor and manage their blood glucose levels to prevent or delay complications associated with poor glycaemic control.^3,4,5 The accuracy of results obtained from BGMS is critical to calculate an appropriate insulin dose which would otherwise lead to insulin dosing error.^3,6,7 Not only do clinical mishaps impact on the individuals’ health, but it may also have legal consequences.⁸ For these reasons it is imperative to assess the performance of BGMS and communicate the results to the public.