Write down the results of your blood tests every day in a record book. You can use a small notebook or ask your doctor for a blood testing record book. You may also want to write down what you eat, how you feel, and how much you have exercised.
By keeping daily records of your blood and urine tests, you can tell how well you are taking care of your diabetes. Show your book to your doctor. The doctor can use your records to see if you need to make changes in your insulin shots or diabetes pills, or in your eating plan. Ask your doctor or nurse if you don't know what your test results mean.
Things to write down every day in your notebook are:
- if you had very low blood sugar
- if you ate more or less food than you usually do
- if you felt sick or very tired
- what kind of exercise you did and for how long
Sample of a non insulin user record book:
Keeping records of your blood tests, insulin shots, and daily events helps you keep track of your diabetes.
If you use insulin, keep a daily record of:
- When you gave yourself an insulin shot.
- How much and what kind of insulin you gave in each shot.
- If you tested your urine and found ketones.
NIDDK
