Okay, time to be honest: Do you keep a blood sugar log? Do you actually? Perhaps you’ve thought about tracking your sugars, and maybe you’ve even gone as far as to print one out. But how often do you really use a sugar log? Did you know a daily blood sugar diary is one of the most important tools in your arsenal to help you fight back and gain control of your diabetes? In fact, according to a study from the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), tight control on your sugar levels can help reduce kidney, eye, and nerve complications that can result from diabetes. If that isn’t reason enough, here are three more benefits you can get from starting to keep a blood sugar log.

 

 #1 Blood sugar logs are fun.

Don’t believe us? Think about it: Almost all challenges are more exciting when you’re working towards a goal, and diabetes is no different. It’s easy to look at recording your sugars as a chore, but it’s a whole different ballgame when you’re striving for a specific set of numbers. By keeping a blood sugar log, you’ll be able to identify your starting point. Then, you can work with your doctor toward setting a goal sugar level that’s right for you. Sugar logs also make tracking your progress a breeze, which means it’s easy to give yourself a pat on the back or a little reward after accomplishing certain milestones. (You deserve it, after all). Encouraging a loved one to keep a blood sugar log can also help you remember! To learn more about living with someone who has diabetes, click here.

 

 #2 Your doctor appointments will be easier–and faster.

How many times has this happened to you? You’re in the exam room during a checkup, and your doctor asks how your blood sugar is doing. After a couple of uncomfortable umms and frantic glances around the room, you’re forced to shrug your shoulders and fess up: You aren’t really sure. A daily blood sugar log can fix that. By bringing your up-to-date sugar log to your appointment, you and your provider can look at your sugars together and identify common trends. Then, your doctor can create a diabetes treatment plan that works just for you, based on your previous levels. No more awkwardness or last-minute guesses! 

 

#3 Keeping a blood sugar log is as easy as falling off a log.

Okay, maybe we exaggerated a little. But thanks to technology, keeping a daily blood sugar log in is easier today than ever before. While paper and pencil logs are great, try giving an online sugar log a shot. There are a variety of websites and apps with free online blood sugar charts. Available on your desktop, smartphone, or tablet device. The Iowa Diabetes Portal is a website that lets you track your blood sugars on the go. You can even email or fax your blood sugar chart to your doctor before your diabetes checkup. So you can say goodbye to messy handwriting, misplaced logbooks, and forgotten blood sugar diaries. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to MyDiabetesHome.com to take advantage of our free online blood sugar log. Or, if you’re already a member, enter one of today’s sugars. All it takes are a few seconds!

Summary

A blood glucose log is one of the best ways to keep your sugars in check. It is super fun, makes your doctors appointments a breeze, and extremely easy! Make your own today at MyDiabetesHome.com