Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (Fingerprick)
Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is not generally required in the management of type 2 diabetes but may be recommended in certain situations for example:
- the person is prescribed insulin, or
- there is evidence of hypoglycaemic episodes, or
- the person is on oral medication eg sulphonylurea like gliclazide or glimepiride that may increase their risk of hypoglycaemia while driving or operating machinery, or
- the person is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant.
In addition short-term SMBG in adults with type 2 diabetes may be recommended:
- when starting treatment with oral or intravenous corticosteroids, or
- to confirm suspected hypoglycemia
Occasionally if an adult with type 2 diabetes has acute inter-current illness and are at risk of worsening hyperglycemia.
Recommended Meters in Type 2 Diabetes in Grampian
People living with Diabetes and the NHS Grampian Diabetes Managed Clinical Network evaluated many meters and recommend the following to be the formulary choice meters and strips for people with Type 2 Diabetes in Grampian.
Contour Plus Blue Meter
Contour Plus test strips
Klinion Soft Fine Colour
0.31mm/30gauge
(compatible with supplied
lancing device)
Ascensia Diabetes Care
0345 600 6030
Accu-Chek Instant
Instant
FastClix
0.3mm/30gauge
Roche 0800 701 000
Tee 2+
Tee 2
Klinion Soft Fine Colour
0.31mm/30gauge
(compatible with supplied
lancing device)
Spirit Healthcare
0800 8815423
Downloading your Device Data
Most new diabetes technology will have the facility to download the information that is measured by the device or that you have entered as part of your self-care routines to be downloaded. It is good practice to reflect on this information periodically to take stock of your overall control and identify areas for inmprovement. Downloading will also help you share the information with your health care team.
Most devices other than Freestyle libre and Medtronic
Register (join.glooko.com )and share with our clinic Grampian Adult Diabetes clinic /proconnect code
ukwoolhos
Your old diasend account can be accessesed at https://www.diasend.com
Freesyle libre. Download reader or review phone app data
Register and share using the following information
Practice ID: 09646522
Grampian Adult Diabetes Service (see leaflet)
Download your medtronic pump and share with the clinic.
Details avaiblable from insulin pump administrator.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring on prescription (CGMop) (Previously known as Flash Monitoring)
CGMop (which has also been known as flash monitoring) is available on prescription in Grampian and you can discuss this with your diabetes care provider. CGMop is available to some people with type 2 diabetes (who are taking multiple injections of insulin per day).

If you are on a basal bolus insulin you will get most from CGMop if you
- can count carbohydrates
and
- adjust insulin as well as have a good understanding of how the monitor works.
For general information about Freestyle Libre 2 click here.
To use the device you should
- Register and complete the online ‘Freestyle Libre Academy’ programme (click here).
To continue to have on prescription, you will also need to:
- Attend clinic annually for ongoing review.
- Link your Librelink app with the diabetes clinic by following these instructions.
- Go to: Menu > Connected Apps > LibreView> Connect to a Practice > Enter Practice ID (09646522).
- Click Next and then Connect after viewing your doctor’s practice contact information (will come up as Woolmanhill or Grampian Diabetes Clinic)
Please discuss your eligibility for CGMop at your next hospital based diabetes clinic appointment. If you do NOT currently attend a hospital based diabetes clinic then please get in touch with you GP based diabetes team and discuss whether you would like to be referred to your local hospital based diabetes clinic.
To upgrade from NHS Grampian funded first release Freestyle Libre to Freestyle Libre 2 then please discuss this at your next clinic appointment or get in touch with the secretary of your usual hospital based diabetes clinician.
Mobile Health Apps
The below apps can help you manage your diabetes.
My Diabetes My Way app: App for patient portal (Android, IOS)
Carbs and Cals app : Carbohydrate counting
My Sugr app : Glucose diary and intensive insulin management
Diabetes M : Glucose diary and intensive insulin management
Social Diabetes : Glucose diary and intensive insulin management