Self-monitored blood glucose: the essential biofeedback signal in the diabetic patient's effort to achieve normoglycemia.

Seventeen pregnant diabetic women participated in a special outpatient program during which they learned to self-monitor blood glucose (BG) and to vary insulin dosage on the basis of the results. The Ames Eyetone reflectance meter and the Boehringer Reflomat were used for BG analysis. BG was self-monitored at least twice a day, with a 24-h profile once a week. The average mean BG from 220 wk of pregnancy was 101 mg/dl. No macrosomia has been seen in deliveries so far. Delivery has been later than is usual in our hospital. The number of necessary days of hospitalization was reduced by 45, as compared with a previous intensive outpatient program for pregnant diabetic women without self-monitoring. An important element of the program was a weekly group session in which individual experiences were shared and discussed in detail. Patients were enthusiastic about the program.