If a true abnormal blood glucose result is detected then the appropriate action should be taken according to medical advice and hospital policy.

Diabetes mellitus is a long‐term, often lifelong condition affecting all aspects of a person's life (Preiser et al. [165]). Diabetes care primarily consists of self‐care, and all people with diabetes should have access to self‐monitoring (WHO [214]). Research has found that diabetes self‐management education improves quality of life (Meetoo et al. [114]). Nurses have a role in educating patients and promoting self‐management of diabetes. Advising patients on the type and frequency of monitoring based on individual clinical need will enable them to monitor and adjust their own treatment (Walden et al. [205]). Furthermore, a specialist nurse can be equipped to provide essential support in guiding patients’ day‐to‐day management of their disease (Hamilton et al. [77]). People with diabetes should be given annual updates to ensure they are still able to perform tests accurately and inform them of any new developments, and it is important to ensure that key assessments are completed, such as retinal eye screening and foot checks (NICE [134]). Healthcare professionals should advocate a healthy lifestyle for patients with diabetes, including regulating blood pressure, a low‐sugar diet and exercise; these may be invaluable to patients and allow them to have a full, unrestricted life (NICE [134]).