Carbohydrate Counting Diary

Writing things down can help you to:

Keep a record of your progress
Notice patterns and decide if you want to make changes
Remember successful changes
Work out what to do when things go wrong
Work with your diabetes team to manage your diabetes and develop a treatment plan

My bolus/quick acting (QA) insulin: ……………………………………………………………………………….

My basal /long acting (BI) insulin:…………………………………………………………………………………..

Diabetes Nurse/Dietitian

Regular checking can help you identify patterns to see what affects your blood glucose levels.

Usual times to test your blood glucose are as follows:

Before breakfast: to find out what your blood glucose level is when it is least affected by food. Target level is 5.0 – 7.0mmol/L
Before each main meal: target level is 4.0 -7.0mmol/L
Before bed: to see if you need carbohydrate to adjust up to target level of 5.0 – 9.0mmol/L

To manage your diabetes, you will need to check your blood glucose more often at times when your insulin requirements are changing e.g.

Driving—by law you need to test before driving. Blood glucose levels must be 5mmol/L or above
If you are exercising or your work is very strenuous
When you’re unwell
When you’re drinking alcohol
When you’re very stressed
If you have an infection
Before menstruation

An example of how to fill in your diary overleaf