Home monitoring of blood glucose in diabetic pregnancy.

A study of home monitoring of blood glucose in diabetic pregnancy was made by a retrospective analysis of medical records of women who attended Christchurch Women's Hospital from 1976 to 1980. Of 20 previously-diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetics eight had used home blood glucose meters during pregnancy. The meter users spent on average 23.9 fewer days in hospital and attended on average 4.2 more antenatal clinics. Otherwise management and outcome were equivalent. We conclude that home monitoring of blood glucose is an effective and safe means of minimising hositalisation in diabetic pregnancy without compromising outcome.