How Often Should You Check Your Blood Sugar Remotely?

A recent study looked at how checking blood sugar levels at home affects long-term health for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. The main issue? Many adults struggle to keep their blood sugar in a safe range. In fact, nearly half of all U.S. adults with diabetes have high levels of a key marker called HbA1c, which shows average blood sugar over time.

Researchers wanted to know if checking blood sugar more often could help lower that marker. They studied 1,436 adults who joined a remote monitoring program run by Unika Health between 2019 and 2024. This program used special glucose meters that connect to phones, a mobile app, lifestyle coaching, and support from doctors across 74 clinics.

The team measured how often people checked their blood sugar each week during their first six months. Then they looked at changes in HbA1c levels. To get accurate results, they used advanced statistical methods that account for other factors that might affect blood sugar, like age, weight, or lifestyle habits.

The findings suggest that higher engagement with remote monitoring leads to better blood sugar control. People who checked their levels more frequently tended to see greater improvements in their HbA1c. This supports the idea that staying active in self-care programs can make a real difference in managing diabetes.

These results add to growing evidence that digital health tools can support chronic disease management. However, the study also highlights the need for more real-world data to understand exactly how much monitoring is needed for the best outcomes. Not everyone benefits equally, and personalizing care remains key.