### Are Home Glucose Tests Necessary for All Type 2 Diabetics? Research has shown that many people with type 2 diabetes might be doing more home glucose tests than needed. According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, millions of dollars are spent on unnecessary testing. Dr. Kevin Platt from the University of Michigan notes that more medical care isn't always better. Over 30 million Americans have diabetes, with the majority being type 2. However, not all of them need to test their glucose levels at home. Home testing is usually recommended for those on insulin or medications that affect blood sugar. For others, doctors often rely on a blood test called hemoglobin A1C, done every three to six months, to monitor blood sugar levels. This test provides a three-month average of blood sugar levels and helps in making medication adjustments. The study found that 14% of people who likely didn't need to test were using an average of two test strips a day. This unnecessary testing costs insurance companies a median of $325 per person annually, which adds up when considering the large number of people involved. Dr. Guillermo E. Umpierrez from Emory University points out that home glucose monitoring has little impact on improving blood sugar control for those not on insulin. Several medical societies, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, have issued guidelines against unnecessary home testing. These guidelines are part of the Choosing Wisely initiative, aimed at reducing wasteful healthcare spending. Patients and doctors should discuss whether frequent testing is necessary. Unnecessary testing can be costly, painful, and may even reduce quality of life. Patients should feel empowered to ask their doctors about the necessity of frequent glucose checks.