Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose: Guideline Application Rather than Utilization Restrictions on Testing Strips Has Potential to Reduce Diabetes Healthcare Costs in Italy

Abstract

Our data suggest that application of guidelines for SMBG prescription and a strict cooperation between health providers and regional health economic deciders were associated with greater utilization of SMBG testing strips. They were also associated with significantly reduced number of hospitalizations and reduced overall duration of hospitalization for patients with diabetes, potentially saving healthcare costs.