While self-monitoring your blood glucose levels on a daily basis is the main tool you have to control and maintain your blood sugar, it is equally as important to record your results each time your test, reports the American Diabetes Foundation. This is a vital aspect of your care plan, helping your doctor determine if the medications you take are effective or require adjustment. You play an important role in ensuring your blood sugar remains within a healthy range by accurately and honestly recording your results each day.
Step 1
Write down any possible factors that can affect your blood sugar. A number of factors affect your blood sugar levels, including stress, the food you eat and the amount of physical activity you participate in. The time you perform your test and the medications you take also have an impact.
Step 2
Make sure you test your glucose levels at the right time of day. The time you perform your test is perhaps the most vital aspect when it comes to receiving an accurate reading. If the doctor instructs you to perform a fasting test at 8 a.m. each morning and you wait until 9 after drinking a cup of coffee, your results are affected. Each person is different, and while you might need to test three times a day, another might need to test six times. The average is two to four, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Step 3
Write your results down after each test. To record your result, you can make a chart or keep a journal. Regardless of what you choose, be sure it is easy to understand, listing each day of the week and the factors that might affect your results. Listing the days vertically and the additional information horizontally makes it easier to read and decipher the information.
Step 4
Gather your supplies and perform your glucose test. In a sterile area, such as a disinfected kitchen table, lay out your glucose monitor, test strip, alcohol pack and testing lancet. Wash and dry your hands, proceeding with your test. Once your results appear, write them neatly on your chart or in your journal.
Step 5
Watch your results closely. As time passes, whether this be days or weeks, you will see a pattern forming. If you notice your levels are too high or low several days in a row around the same time each day, it is time to notify your doctor, according to the American Diabetes Foundation. This might indicate that it's time to change your care plan or medications.
