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How to Create a Log Record for Diabetics

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that, if untreated, causes extreme highs and lows in blood sugar levels. Diabetes damages circulation in the eyes, kidneys and feet, but keeping blood sugars within a specific range minimizes complications. Doctors prescribe either oral medications or insulin injections, and diabetics measure their blood sugars at specific times daily to assess how much medication they need. Doctors often request a record of the daily blood sugar levels at each visit, and writing those levels in a blood sugar log is a convenient way to keep them handy.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Log sheet
  • Ruler
  • Blood glucose monitor
  • Blood testing equipment
  • Prescribed medications
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Obtain a blank sheet of paper and pen. Downloadable log sheets available online are an alternative (see Resources).

    • 2

      Draw seven horizontal lines one inch apart on your paper, using the ruler to space them evenly. Label the seven rows with the days of the week.

    • 3
      Diabetic log records ensure accurate record keeping.

      Draw five vertical lines extending down your paper from top to bottom, also one inch apart. Label these columns "Breakfast," "Lunch," "Dinner," "Bedtime" and "Other," leaving space on the right side of the paper for "Notes." You will use these boxes to record each blood sugar result for the week.

    • 4

      Write your blood sugar goals at the top of the page. For example, your doctor may have told you that your goal is 90 to 130 fasting and less than 180 after meals.

    • 5

      Keep your blood sugar log readily available in a place where you will see it. Store it on a clipboard beside your blood-testing equipment for easy access.

    Using Your Log Record

    • 6

      Wipe your fingertip with an alcohol swab and lance your finger as demonstrated to you by your health-care team. Apply your blood to the test strip and wait for the blood sugar machine to display the results. Apply a cotton ball to your fingertip to control bleeding.

    • 7

      Write the number displayed on the machine into the correct box on your log. For example, if this is Tuesday evening at 10 p.m., write your result in the "Tuesday" row and the "Bedtime" column.

    • 8

      Administer your medications as prescribed. If your doctor prescribed sliding-scale insulin, use your blood sugar results to decide the appropriate dosage before each meal. Record all insulin doses next to your blood sugar results on the log sheet.

    • 9
      Low blood sugar is often treated with juice.

      Use the "Notes" section to record difficulties. Write the circumstances, such as a late meal, that led to a high or low blood sugar and note any treatments that you administered. These notations will help you learn from mistakes and prevent repetition of problems.

    • 10

      Call your health-care provider with any questions. If you notice a higher- or lower-than-normal blood sugar, treat according to your treatment plan. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience difficulties controlling your blood sugars, unusual symptoms or illness.

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