Patients with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin are usually instructed to monitor their blood sugar levels on daily basis. It is considered to be part of the standard of diabetes care and follow-up.

A study conducted at the University of Oxford in England looked at this issue as it pertains to maintaining glycemic control and whether a less intensive self-monitoring program is as effective for diabetic patients who are not using insulin.

• Dr. Andrew Farmer, University Lecturer in General Practice, Diabetes and Vascular Disease at Exeter College, Oxford University and does a great deal of research in the area of self-management of diabetes