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How to Record Blood Sugar Levels

Insulin is produced by the pancreas to convert sugar from food and drink into glucose, which can then be used by the body's cells as energy. If the body does not produce any or enough insulin, the sugar remains in the bloodstream, and can cause unconsciousness or coma if it reaches levels that are too high (hyperglycemia).



Similarly, blood sugar levels that fall too low (hypoglycemia) from too much insulin or diabetes medication can also cause the same symptoms of unconsciousness or coma. It is important that the effectiveness of insulin treatment (for type 1 diabetes) and medication (for type 2 diabetes) be monitored after every meal, so a clear picture can be built up of how effectively blood sugar levels are being controlled.

Things You'll Need

  • Blood glucose monitor
  • Sterile finger needles with a lancet pen
  • Sterile test strips
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Pen
  • A4 notebook
  • Ruler
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Instructions

  1. Creating a blood glucose monitoring log

    • 1
      Use a notebook to record your glucose readings.

      Turn the A4 notebook sideways so that it is in landscape format.

    • 2

      Draw lines across the page using the ruler, creating eight sections.

    • 3

      Write the dates of the beginning week on the very top of the page, then write the days of the week down the left side of the page. Leave the top section blank for headings.

    • 4

      Draw 11 columns down the page. The days of the week counts as the first, then the next nine are quite narrow, allowing enough space to write your blood glucose reading in number form. The last column is left wide for notes.

    • 5
      Apples help to keep blood glucose levels within normal range.

      Write the following headings at the top of the columns:

      Weekday, morning blood glucose (BG), breakfast blood glucose, medication/insulin (M/I), lunch BG, (M/I), dinner BG, (M/I), bedtime BG, (M/I), notes.

      You now have a formatted grid in which to record your blood glucose readings by date, day and time of day, and to show the action taken (meds or insulin).

    • 6

      Using a sterile lancet, a sterile test strip, and the blood glucose monitor, test your blood glucose level and record it in the appropriate grid-space. For example, if it is Tuesday at dinnertime, record it in the corresponding space, then write "M" or "I" next to it if you take medication or insulin at this time.

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