Postprandial Glucose Monitoring Further Improved Glycemia, Lipids, and Weight in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Had Already Reached Hemoglobin A1c Goal

Background: Postprandial hyperglycemia contributes to poor glucose control and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective of the study was to determine the effect of postprandial self-monitoring of blood glucose (pp-SMBG) on glucose control, lipids, body weight, and cardiovascular events. Method: Subjects with T2DM hemoglobin A1c (A1C) between 6.5 to 7.0 % were randomized into the study group (at least two pp-SMBG a day and dietary modification based on glucose readings) and control group (dietary modification based on glucose readings but no mandatory pp-SMBG) for a 6-month, observational study. Oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin regimen was unchanged in either group if A1C remained less than 7.0% during the study. End points included A1C, lipids, body weight, and cardiovascular events. Results: One hundred sixty-nine subjects, mean age 63 years, and body weight 88 kg were recruited. Hemoglobin A1c, weight, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TGs) were similar in the groups at baseline. By the end of 6 months, A1C (6.7 ± 0.1 to 6.4 ± 0.1%, p <.05), body weight (88.5 ± 7.3 to 85.2 ± 6.3 kg, p <.05)