Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is the use of regular blood testing to understand one's diabetes control and inform changes. Benefits include determining which foods or diet are best for one's control, helping inform the patient and doctor about how well the medication regime is working, reducing anxiety about hypoglycemia, and being important for undertaking dangerous tasks. Disadvantages include anxiety about one's blood sugar control and state of health, and the physical pain of finger pricking.
