Record Keeping - What Do You Do?
In light of my recent upset with my A1c, I've decided to re-dedicate myself to doing a better job of keeping records. I think that my control was (obviously) not what I thought it was, and I need to get a better grasp on what is going on.
I'd like to hear about what people are doing to keep track of things. Is it a logbook (which one?), is it some computer or PDA software, is it good old fashioned pen & paper? Do you rely on your pump or meter to track things for you? If so, can you capture everything you feel you need?
How do you track your (or your loved ones) diabetes?
I'd like to hear about what people are doing to keep track of things. Is it a logbook (which one?), is it some computer or PDA software, is it good old fashioned pen & paper? Do you rely on your pump or meter to track things for you? If so, can you capture everything you feel you need?
How do you track your (or your loved ones) diabetes?
posted by Scott K. Johnson | 9:26 AM
7 Comments:
Scott, I think that logging is an excellent strategy, and one that I have personally found improves my own situation.
Since I have been on a diet/exercise/control effort, I have been logging it all on my blog for the past 2 weeks.
Before that, when I am did a good job of this, I recorded everything in my old-fashioned paper log book. Why? I typically keep several meters running and the software that is available for me to upload readings to keeps track of each of these separately. I need something that will consolidate everything in one place. I use the Freestyle Flash and Freestyle meters.
Best of luck in your control efforts!
Scott...
I am horrible about logging my numbers. I'm good at testing, but when it comes to keeping record of my sugars- I can't seem to do it. I guess b/c it takes some organization and, quite honestly, that's not my strong suit :( . I do think it's a wise thing to do...it really helps to identify problems and can help your doctor in finding ways to fix those problems. I know I need to start doing this myself. Hopefully, it will help us both in gaining better control.
Also, just wanted to thank you for adding my blog as a link. I will be adding yours to my list as well.
Take care,
Andrea
Hey Scott,
I just posted earlier this evening about the log we use -- Smart Charts (they're illustrated in John Walsh's book, Pumping Insulin). Though I'm somewhat of a gadget gal, I really like this hard copy system. It's the size of a checkbook (extremely portable!), and allows us to enter food, exercise, carbs, notes, while at the same time, create a line graph of bgs (thus making it easier to spot trends).
So far, these have worked pretty well for us.
Good Luck!
Sandra
Scott,
I am bad about keeping records as well. I actually have 3 ways that I try to use since I am not totally satisfied with any of them. I _try_ to enter insulin & carbs in my One Touch Ultra Smart since I always have it with me but I don't like the way it prints our the log book only showing categories such as before or after lunch rather than the actual time. I have created pages for my planner to write things down on and then I use Logbook DM on my Palm b/c I love how it is a single screen entry & how it calculates insulin for me. What is also nice about using my palm is that I have the Diet Diary software on there too so I can figure out my carbs but here again I haven't figured out a way to print to info in a way that looks like a logbook.
So...if you find a better way, let me know!
~Melissa
I use an excel to track all of my blood tests, insulin, food, work outs, but also comments about being pissed off that things don't always work or questions I have for my endo. I keep it on my desktop at work (because I am there the most) and fill in the blanks every morning. I do it once a day and take all of the tests off my freestyle flash. It is a little like training yourself to make your bed...eventualy you do it without thinking
I'm on the Minimed 715, and it's the one with the pump/meter connection. I use the Bolus Wizard feature everytime I eat, so my pump keeps track of how many carbs I eat, my correction/bolus numbers, and my BG (if I happen to test when I bolus). I also will go directly to my meter too to log things. I don't log very often, but when I do, I use the computer. I download a chart and keep it Word. I like the computer because I can manipulate how big the columns and rows are, which is important because I'm also on Symlin, so I have to write in a lot of numbers. Log books are just too small!
I use the Smart Charts that Sandra mentioned too. I find there's just about enough room for me to log Olivia's bg readings and food, but I don't have to track any other meds and I don't track her activity level unless it's out of the ordinary.
I like the idea of downloading her pump onto the computer. I have the software (Olivia uses a MM 715, too), but I just haven't done it. I have to put that on my list of things to do this weekend. It's an ever-growing list.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home