Self-glucose monitoring is one of the main tools you have to manage your diabetes and keep your glucose levels within their target range. It is, however, just as important to record your results, enabling your doctor or dietitian to adjust your care diet or medication if necessary. Keeping your diabetes under control is not only the responsibility of your health care team, it is yours as well. This requires you to care about your condition as much as your doctor does.
Step 1
Write down all factors affecting your glucose levels. The food you eat and the time you eat, your level of physical activity, your medication and the time you take it, your mood and the amount of physical activity you participate in all affect your glucose results. The time you test also impacts it. This serves to remind you of all the information you need to include in your log.
Step 2
Make a vertical and horizontal column. Write the dates in your vertical column, and the times of testing in your horizontal column.
Step 3
Perform your glucose test at the right time of the day. Your doctor may require a fasting blood test -- meaning no food or drink -- at 7 a.m.; waiting to test until you drink your coffee at 8 a.m. can interfere with the results. The number of tests and times of testing varies for everyone. Your doctor may require testing three times per day, while someone else tests six times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the average number of tests is between two and four.
Step 4
Write your results under the correct date with any accompanying factors. As soon as you get your results, write them in your log. Next to the time, write any factors that may impact your results.
Step 5
Monitor your log closely. Over a period of time -- days or weeks -- a pattern will form. If you see your glucose levels increase or fall at the same time of day several days in a row, it's time to contact your doctor. You may need an adjustment in your diet and/or medication.
Things You'll Need
- Notebook
- Pen
- Glucose testing supplies
