Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in Type 1 Diabetes: The Role of the Family Physician in Patient Education
Keywords:
Type 1 diabetes, self-monitoring of blood glucose, insulin self-adjustment, family medicine, patient education, Egypt, primary care, glycemic control.Abstract
Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune condition requiring lifelong insulin therapy and active patient engagement. Effective glycemic control is essential for preventing both acute and long-term complications. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and self-adjustment of insulin doses are foundational practices in diabetes self-management; yet remain underutilized, especially in low-resource settings like Egypt. Family physicians play a critical role in bridging this gap through structured education and patient empowerment.
Aim: This review aims to explore the clinical value of SMBG and insulin self-adjustment in the management of T1DM and to examine the role of family physicians in enhancing these practices through patient education.
Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, drawing on international guidelines, clinical studies, and regional data to assess the effectiveness, challenges, and implementation of SMBG and insulin self-adjustment in type 1 diabetes. Special attention is given to the Egyptian healthcare context and the potential for family medicine integration.
Results: Evidence indicates that regular and structured SMBG, when coupled with appropriate self-adjustment of insulin doses, leads to significant improvements in glycemic control and reduction of diabetes-related complications. However, patient-related barriers such as lack of education, psychological resistance, and affordability issues persist. Family physicians are uniquely positioned to deliver structured diabetes education, foster patient autonomy, and reinforce national and international guidelines at the primary care level.
Conclusion: Integrating SMBG and insulin self-adjustment education into routine family medicine practice is a cost-effective and impactful strategy to improve outcomes among T1DM patients. Expanding the role of family physicians in structured patient education may bridge current practice gaps, particularly in under-resourced healthcare systems like Egypt’s.