Introduction

Importance of blood glucose monitoring

Overview of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, gestational)

Nursing responsibilities in glucose management

Physiology and Pathophysiology

Glucose metabolism and insulin regulation

Hypoglycaemia vs hyperglycaemia

Long-term complications of poor glucose control

Equipment and Supplies

Glucometers, lancets, test strips, control solutions

Quality control and calibration procedures

Monitoring Techniques

Step-by-step capillary blood glucose testing

Infection prevention and control

Patient comfort and site selection

Frequency of testing (e.g., pre- and post-meal, bedtime)

Interpretation of Results

Normal ranges and targets (NICE guidelines)

Recognising and responding to abnormal values

Escalation and referral pathways

Documentation and Communication

Accurate record keeping (paper and electronic)

Communication with the multidisciplinary team

Data protection (GDPR) and confidentiality

Patient Education and Support

Teaching self-monitoring techniques

Lifestyle and dietary support

Promoting self-management in diabetes care

Legal, Ethical & Professional Responsibilities

NMC Code of Conduct relevance

Consent, capacity, and accountability

Scope of professional practice