Keeping a log book

butterbuns · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:52 AM

Is it really beneficial to keep a log book of your #'s, and if so, what other information is good to keep track of?

Jill-O · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:29 AM

I keep a spreadsheet with my waking numbers, my before and after meal numbers, and a column that tracks how many carbs I had and how many units of Humalog I took for each meal, also noting if I needed a correction dose and if so, how much it was.

Gordonm · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 04:20 AM

I did for the first couple of years, long time ago but have not done it in years. My pump does keep a record and now with the CGMS I down load the info to MM site. I can look at it whenever I want. I do it on occasion just to see how the basal pattern is working out.

DeusXM · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 05:05 AM

Definitely a good idea. If you don't keep a log, you can't see a trend. It's all very well doing a BG test and thinking "hmm, that's a bit high, I'll fix that."

It's something else to look at a whole week's worth of results and think "hmm, they're all a bit high. I need to change something significant."

Jae · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterbuns

Is it really beneficial to keep a log book of your #'s, and if so, what other information is good to keep track of?

have you checked out sugarstats.com?
I like being able to see a whole month at a time and you can add notes on it.

mosaic · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 06:37 AM

I upload the results from my Jazz meter to my PC and use the company's software to keep track of readings and what I ate. It is really nice to see the trends mapped out in graph form and to be able to point out foods that spike my blood sugar that I never thought would.

poodlebone · #7 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 07:07 AM

I am computer program illiterate but I do log in a super basic spreadsheet on Google Docs. I used to leave my paper log book behind all the time and then never catch up, but now I can access it at home, at work, wherever there's a computer. I log:

BG, time, carbs (I also jot down everything I've eaten), insulin, exercise, sensor/infusion set changes, any other notes about feeling sick, extra activity, problems with an infusion set etc.

I have always found it useful to keep a log. It really lets me see how different foods and exercise effect me. I also upload my pump to Minimed's Carelink site which gives a lot of useful graphs, charts & statistics.

AVFD-FF · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 09:46 AM

I have logged on and off.... which is bad but I am more up to date now with a Ultra Smart meter. I have the software and cable (which if u need I can tell u how to get it for free, PM me) but I can log and go back and make adjustments as necessary.

But it's always a good thing to do.

jenb · #9 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 10:09 AM

I created a "Daily Sheet" that I carry with me. I record BG, insulin usage, vitamins, exercise and general info about meals. I also use it as a kind of diary, noting special events and stress. ' don't always fill it out completely, but do record enough info so that if I want to do a detailed chart I have the data available. Recording insulin usage in particular is useful: Since I'm on MDI, knowing how much Novolog I've injected and when is great for calculating BOB if I need to do any corrections.

Jen

foxl · #10 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 10:30 AM

blood sugars

meals with carb grams

exercise duration and intensity

menstrual periods (expected and actual dates)

meds changes

any other comments on suspected causes of unusual highs or lows.

butterbuns · #11 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jae

have you checked out sugarstats.com?
I like being able to see a whole month at a time and you can add notes on it.

Thanks. The graphs rock!

foxl · #12 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterbuns

Thanks. The graphs rock!

One caution ... I lost my password there and COULD NOT REPLACE IT!

KatGirl · #13 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 09:36 AM

I have an Excel spreadsheet that I created. I record all my bs numbers. I built cell formulas in to calculate the daily average, weekly average, monthly average, and AM, PM, and Bedtime average (to see if there are trends at certain times of the day). I also keep a log of what I ate (with a rough estimate of carb counts) and what exercises I did and any other things that I think would impact my bs.

Every month I print out two copies (one for my binder and one for my dr). When I see my dr I bring in the spreadsheets. He seems to like seeing it clearly laid out and he can easily follow it.

I am a math and computer geek so the more calculations I can do with this the more control I feel I have.

shellyj · #14 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 01:35 AM

yes I do keep a long book as well as on my computer with the bayer gucofact page it good to keep a record so your doctor can make changes if heor she need too with your meds or insilin and to have a idea where your blood sugars are

Defessa · #15 (**permalink**) 07-20-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I have an Excel spreadsheet that I created. I record all my bs numbers. I built cell formulas in to calculate the daily average, weekly average, monthly average, and AM, PM, and Bedtime average (to see if there are trends at certain times of the day). I also keep a log of what I ate (with a rough estimate of carb counts) and what exercises I did and any other things that I think would impact my bs.

KatGirl,
Would you be willing to share your spreadsheet? I am just learning to use Excel and it would be nice not to have to "reinvent the Wheel" so to speak.

Thanks,
Defessa