Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) can be a beneficial component of type 2 diabetes therapy.

SMBG systems have become more accurate over time and now provide a variety of useful features, such as digital diaries or connectivity.

Reports from China, India, and Brazil based on local experience indicate that access to adequate SMBG is often an issue.

On the way to achieving optimal diabetes therapy, out-of-pocket costs for the end-user have to be reduced, and self-management education and empowerment have to be improved.