Blood glucose monitoring in childhood diabetes.

Diabetic complications may result from chronic elevations in serum glucose concentrations and the consequent counter regulatory mechanisms. Maintaining normal glycemic control is beyond the capability of urine testing for glucose. Blood glucose testing has provided the means to more normal glucose management in diabetics. The use of home blood glucose monitoring devices by diabetic children has been very successful. The test gives an immediate reading of blood glucose level, which has allowed both patients and their family members to become more actively involved in the management of diabetes.