Why you should keep a blood sugar log

If it can’t be expressed in numbers, it’s not science. It’s opinion.

Lazarus Long, Time enough for love

It’s tricky to stay on top of your diabetes if you don’t know your numbers from day-to-day. When things are out of control, the best thing you can do is start to log your blood sugar. The numbers might be depressing at times of stress, illness, or naughty eating, but it’s better to know than be in the dark with a self-managed disease like diabetes. Your HbA1c should not come as a surprise to you when you’re sitting in the doctor’s office.

I’ve been logging blood sugar and insulin usage since my diagnosis two years ago, using the Diabetes: M app. It keeps track of averages and helps me spot trends like blood sugar running high after dinner. It also gives me a shout when blood sugar varies too much, which although I’m already sensing it confirms my suspicions. There are cheaper ways to keep a log, but I think it’s well worth the ten dollars a month to have your own interactive diabetes manager. Recently my blood sugars have been out of control, and going back on my log has helped me spot when insulin resistance is the worst and why levels run high.

Numbers rule the universe and it only takes a few minutes a day to fill them in. I’d recommend you spend the time doing so. It’s so worth it. Not only does it alert you to problems so they can be fixed, but it also gives you a nod when things are going well. It keeps you motivated and really helps you stay on track with diabetes. After all, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You’re in it for the long run.