Difference between Plasma Glucose Levels and Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) Levels of Diabetic Women in the Third Trimester

Abstract

We studied the difference between plasma glucose levels and self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) levels in 9 diabetic women during pregnancy. Although no significant differences were seen between the two during the first or second trimester, SMBG was significantly lower than plasma glucose during the third trimester. Percentage fluctuations in SMBG were greater in the third trimester in the group whose plasma glucose was less than 100mg/dl than in the group whose plasma glucose was 100mg/dl or more. Since SMBG was lower than plasma glucose during the third trimester, such patients may be mistakenly diagnosed as hypoglycemic despite normal plasma glucose levels.