- EvidenceScore™
- Moderate
- Score 69 · Based on 2 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 63
- Slightly Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
One SMBG per week maintains control in T2D
Last updated July 18, 2026
Key finding
Non-inferiority was demonstrated for the low group (p = 0.0022) with a difference from baseline to 6 months of 0.24 in the low group.
The study evaluated the effectiveness of low-frequency self-monitoring of blood glucose in non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes patients, finding it to be sufficient and safe.
Quick read
Study at a glance
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Long-Term (1–5 y)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
The study evaluated the effectiveness of low-frequency self-monitoring of blood glucose in non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes patients, finding it to be sufficient and safe.
Clinical relevance
This finding is significant as it suggests that patients with non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes can effectively manage their condition with less frequent monitoring, potentially reducing the burden of daily testing. This could lead to improved patient adherence and quality of life while maintaining adequate blood sugar control.
Keep in mind
The study did not assess long-term outcomes beyond 12 months. Sample size and demographic details were not specified. Potential biases in self-reported compliance may exist.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Werner AS, Christian O, Heinz-Harald A, Nico D, Mark L, Kathrin M. One SMBG per Week is Sufficient and Safe in Non-Insulin Treated T2D. PLoS ONE. 2008;3(8):e3087. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0003087
Main Effects
Low-frequency monitoring showed a decrease in HbA1c of -0.24% at 6 months (p = 0.0022).
High-frequency monitoring showed a decrease in HbA1c of -0.16% at 6 months (p = 0.0022).
Compliance with testing was 61% in the low group and 77% in the high group at 3 months.
Evidence network
How this study fits
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Evidence Context
This study contributes evidence to Self-monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c, Treatment adherence.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Self-monitoring of blood glucose
Primary outcomes
- HbA1c
- Treatment adherence
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Evidence relationships
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
Why this study matters
See why this paper is useful beyond its individual results.
Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
3
Related topics
2
Evidence pairs
536
Related studies
Why it is useful
- Contributes to 2 evidence relationships
- Includes primary outcome data
- Linked to 2 direct semantic evidence topics
Topic contributions
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
HbA1c Reduction
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Treatment Adherence
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Core evidence
Study findings
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Treatment adherence
Self-monitoring of blood glucose → Treatment adherence
Self-monitoring of blood glucose → Treatment adherence
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Evidence Library
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Evidence Suggest
- Low-frequency monitoring is non-inferior to high-frequency monitoring for HbA1c control.
- Compliance rates were higher in the high-frequency group.
- No significant differences in HbA1c were found at 3 and 12 months.
Who this applies to
- Adults with non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes.
- Patients seeking to reduce the frequency of blood glucose monitoring.
Keep in Mind
- Results may not be generalizable to insulin-treated diabetes patients.
- The study focused on a specific population with baseline characteristics available.
- Further research is needed to confirm long-term effects and compliance in diverse populations.
Between the Lines
- The study did not assess long-term outcomes beyond 12 months.
- Sample size and demographic details were not specified.
- Potential biases in self-reported compliance may exist.
Evidence Library
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Connected Evidence
Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Self-monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c, Self-monitoring of blood glucose and Treatment Adherence.
Related evidence relationships
Explore in Evidence ExplorerThis study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose → HbA1c
Devices & Technology
- EvidenceScore™
- Moderate
- Score 69 · Based on 2 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 63
- Slightly Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
Self-monitoring of blood glucose → Treatment Adherence
Devices & Technology
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Included in these evidence collections
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
HbA1c Evidence Hub
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose Evidence Hub
All studies on Self-monitoring of blood glucose
Contributes to Self-monitoring of blood glucose evidence base.
Treatment Adherence Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Treatment Adherence
Measures Treatment Adherence as a key outcome.
Explore more in Evidence Explorer
Jump to pre-filtered views in Evidence Explorer.
All studies on Self-monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c
2 results
All studies on Self-monitoring of blood glucose and Treatment adherence
1 results
All studies on Self-monitoring of blood glucose
2 results
All studies measuring HbA1c
2 results
All studies measuring Treatment adherence
1 results
Questions answered by this study
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Does Self-monitoring of blood glucose improve HbA1c?
Self-monitoring of blood glucose may improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Self-monitoring of blood glucose improve treatment adherence?
Self-monitoring of blood glucose appears to improve Treatment adherence.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Treatment adherence
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
Next steps
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