On measuring the adequacy of diabetes regulation: Comparison of continuously monitored blood glucose patterns with values at selected time points

Abstract

Individual blood glucose (BG) measurements at selected time points were compared with continuously recorded BG data as criteria of the adequacy of diabetes regulation. Indices reflecting the adequacy of diabetes regulation have previously been developed from continuously monitored BG measurements during studies under standardized near-normal living conditions. These indices are: (1) mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), (2) diurnal mean blood glucose (MBG), (3) mean of daily differences of paired BG values (MODD). Because of the intensive studies necessary to obtain these indices, approximations based on individual BG measurements which might easily be obtained in practice were sought. The BG value 80 min after breakfast correlated best with the MAGE. The average of the fasting BG value and the value at 80 min after breakfast correlated well with the MBG. These individual BG measurements distinguished the groups of subjects. The difference between fasting BG values on successive days (AFBG) correlated well with the MODD. However, unlike MODD itself, AFBG did not distinguish the groups of subjects. Some other selected BG values with different timing were nearly equally highly correlated with these three criteria of BG behavior. Thus, relatively few but critically timed BG measurements on successive days, with suitable urinary glucose measurements, during standardized therapeutic programs may serve as an index of the efficacy of the therapy. By these same means, the characteristics of the patient's diabetes might also be assessed. © 1974 Springer-Verlag.