Day 3: Keeping a Blood Sugar Log, 101
Your diabetes support network is really a two-way street. Just as you depend on them for help, they depend on
you for information that will help them understand what you’re going through and exactly what you need. Your
blood sugar log is a very important part of that.
How to keep a blood sugar log
It may be simpler than you think to keep and read a blood sugar log. Your doctor will tell you when and how
often to check your blood sugar. Then, every time you check, fill out your log.
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1
Write down your personal information, including the start and end dates for this log.
2
Your doctor will tell you what your blood sugar targets and A1C level should be, and how often to check your blood sugar.
3
Write the time, dose, and type of diabetes medicine in the "medication" box. Each medication box is
related to a different time of the day, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4
Write your blood sugar reading and the time in the purple box (pre and post mean before and after a meal).
You can use the top line for pre-meal and the bottom for post-meal.
5
If you need additional space to record your level, you can use the "other" box.
6
Make notes on your exercise, food, or any unusual occurrences, such as symptoms or stress in your routine.
All these factors can affect your blood sugar levels, and noting them will help you and your doctor see patterns
of "out-of-range" blood sugar. Together, you can discuss ways to reduce the frequency of highs and lows, and talk
about whether you need to adjust your treatment.
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| Download Blood Sugar Log |
Bring your blood sugar log with you the next time you go for your doctor visit, so your doctor can get a better picture of your body's
response to your diabetes treatment plan. The more information you write down, the more helpful it’ll be for you and your
doctor to know how Lantus® is working.
What Levels Are the Right Levels?
Your doctor will tell you what your target ranges should be. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), most people
with type 2 diabetes should have blood glucose levels within this range:
Before meals or upon waking:  |
2 hours after the start of a meal: |
70 - 130 mg/dL |
Less than 180 mg/dL |
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the
inactive ingredients in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless
with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with
others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may
experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision.
Severe hypoglycemia may be serious and life-threatening. It may cause harm to your
heart or brain. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions,
including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including
itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life-threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your
doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin
pen. Please talk to your healthcare provider about proper injection technique and
follow instructions in the Instruction Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for Full Prescribing Information for Lantus®.
Click here for information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal.
The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes
only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding
your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions
about your health or treatment.