More than 37 million adults in the United States have diabetes, and those who suffer from the disease know that it can be difficult to manage. If you’re one who battles diabetes, you have probably run into multiple roadblocks along the way. Maybe you consistently monitor your glucose, eat correctly, and exercise, yet still struggle with blood sugar control. Experiencing these frequent problems can interfere with daily living, impact mental health, and even lead to hospitalization or death. Learning how to manage diabetes is a continual process and unexpected barriers will arise on the journey. So, what do you do when doing all the right things doesn’t work?

Examine your daily routine. Keeping a journal of your habits may reveal the source of many blood sugar issues. A journal allows you to see patterns among the variables of your daily life such as blood sugar levels, types of foods, meal timing, mood, medications, and exercise. 

Blood Sugar

Understanding the patterns of your glucose levels is a key reason to keep a diabetes journal. Being consistent is necessary, difficult, yet rewarding. For example, if you realize that nighttime episodes of hypoglycemia regularly occur when you are more active throughout the day, you might need to increase your intake to refuel and reduce the risk of your blood sugar plummeting at night.

Types of Foods

A healthy diet is an essential part of diabetes management, but it can be difficult to remember what foods you eat. By consistently tracking your meals and snacks, you can identify foods that may spike your glucose levels. Over time, you may be surprised to see that certain foods have a greater (or less) impact on your blood sugar than you thought!

Mood

Mental health can be greatly affected by diabetes, and your mood may seem to be on a constant roller coaster due to rapid blood sugar changes. Since mood can be an indication of glucose spikes and drops, it’s a good idea to take note of how you feel. This awareness can help you build a stronger connection between your mind, body, and diabetes management strategy.

Medications

When diagnosed with diabetes, medications are often prescribed. This addition can make a big impact on your daily routine. By keeping a record of medication, doses, and timing, you may be able to control glucose levels better. This also allows you to be aware of side effects or changes in symptoms so you can work with your doctor to make any necessary changes.

Exercise

Regular exercise can play a major role in fluctuating glucose levels, and it has the ability to help you keep your diabetes in check. Keeping a log of your exercise routine can help you find the types of physical activity that help you feel your best and stay motivated to meet your fitness goals!

The recurring theme of a diabetes journal is awareness. Writing down your lifestyle habits gives you the opportunity to reflect on your daily routine with diabetes. It gives insight into your symptoms, and it allows you to identify habits that improve well-being and others that have a negative impact on health. Keeping a diabetes journal may be a big commitment, but it can help you solve many problems related to managing the disease.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. One may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu