There are so many things competing for your time – projects at work, social obligations, family outings … the list goes on and on. And, when you are a diabetic, this list also includes checking your blood sugar; eating regular, balanced meals; and visiting the doctor frequently. Consequently, it is easy to get off course for diabetes maintenance. To help out with keeping diabetes under control, many diabetics opt to keep a diabetes journal.

What Is Included in a Diabetes Journal?

As you begin to set up a diabetes journal, decide what you want to record. Depending on your situation, this may vary slightly, but here is a general guide to get you started.

Page 1 – Contact Information:

At the beginning of your diabetes journal, be sure to include a page listing these important facts:

• Contact information of your doctor or health care provider
• Hospital or emergency room information
• Who to call in call  of an emergency
• Any medications or food allergies you may have

Page 2 – Monthly Overview:

Many people also choose to set up a basic information page for each month. This page lists the following:

• Daily medication
• Last HbA1C results
• Date of the next HbA1C test
• Next physical exam
• BUN/Creatinine ratio
• Next Lab test
• Cholesterol levels
• Next eye examination

Page 3 – Targets:

This is a great place to list any goals you may have for the upcoming month. After all, this is a diabetes journal and the ideal spot to plan out your “diabetes life.” Goals you may wish to list include:

• Blood glucose target
• Blood pressure target range
• Weight target
• BMI target
• Exercise target
• Cholesterol level

Pages 4-7 – Weekly Records:

Depending on your situation, this may vary slightly, but basic items recorded include:

• AM/PM blood glucose levels
• Type of exercise
• Blood pressure
• Weight
• Food intake
• Emotional issues/concerns
• Any questions you may wish to ask your doctor

While some of these entries may show minimal change each day, by recording them faithfully, you will be immediately aware of any fluctuation. You can find many layout options for a diabetes journal online or you can design your own. Here is a sample weekly layout:

Be sure this book is handy, not just for you, but for anyone who may need to help you should you experience a medical complication. You may also want to bring your diabetes journal along on doctor’s appointments so you can discuss achievement, goals and changes. Another option for maintaining a diabetes journal is on your computer. If you choose this route, be sure that you print your records frequently – ideally once a week – and keep the pages in a book so that loved ones/friends can find it in a medical emergency. This may also be easier to take along to your doctor’s visits.

Most of the items found in a diabetes journal may seem standard, with the exception of the entry for emotions. However, keeping track of one’s “moods swings” is beneficial because negative emotions like stress, anxiety, depression and anger have been shown to increase blood pressure and glucose levels, making it difficult to control diabetes. By keeping a diabetes journal, you and your doctor can track your ups and downs both physically and emotionally.

So take some time to design a diabetes journal that will work for you. Whether you create your own or use one online, a diabetes journal is a valuable tool for maintaining your diabetic lifestyle to your fullest potential.

Tags: diabetes control, diabetes diary, diabetes journal, diabetic diary, diabetic journal, keeping a diabetes journal