Record Keeping and Goal Setting for Patients with Diabetes

These instructions are for caregivers of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This information is included in basal bolus safety skills training.

What information should I write down on my blood sugar records?

• Blood sugar results

• Units of bolus insulin (fast-acting) given and basal insulin (long-acting) given

• Ketone results (when blood sugar is 300 or higher for more than 3 hours OR if you have nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or trouble breathing)

• Injection site (for example, right arm or left thigh)

• Carbs eaten

• Why you think the blood sugar is high or low

Why should I write down blood sugars, ketone results and insulin doses?

• Looking at this information helps you see blood sugar trends.

• You can make better decisions.

• Talk to your diabetes educator about software programs and phone apps that make logging blood sugars easier.

What is the ideal blood sugar range for someone with diabetes?

• If using a glucose meter: between 70-130 pre-meal.

• If using a continuous glucose monitor: between 70-180, at least 70% of the time.

What do I do with high or low blood sugar readings?

• Circle each high or low number. This helps you see trends.

• Figure out and write down the reason for the high or low blood sugar.

What is a trend?

• A trend is a high or low blood sugar reading at the same time for 3 days in a row or 4 days in a week.

  • Example: Kelly wakes up on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with blood sugars in the 200s. This is a high trend.

What do I do about trends?

• If you see a trend, you may need an insulin change.

• Call your diabetes provider to discuss what changes you think need to be made. You will eventually learn how to make dose adjustments on your own.

What are diabetes behavior goals?

• Setting goals for diabetes improves diabetes control.

• You and your child can work on a goal together.

• The diabetes team can support you as you work on goals. As you meet one goal, you can set another.

• Examples of diabetes goals:

  • Measure or weigh carbs.

  • Read food labels.

  • Exercise daily.

  • Wear a medical alert bracelet.

  • Write down results daily.

What else can I do to help my child with diabetes?

• Know the members of the diabetes team:

  • Doctor

  • Nurse practitioner

  • Diabetes educator

  • Social worker

  • Dietitian

• Know the follow-up plan:

  • Clinic visits every 3 months

  • Diabetes education classes

  • Nutrition visits every year

  • Social work support every year as needed

  • Lab tests as needed

• Learn how your medical insurance covers the costs of supplies, clinic visits, and diabetes education. Call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card for information.

What supplies will my child need at home?

• Glucose meter

• Test strips

• Insulin (pen or vial)

• Pen needles (if using pens)

• Syringes (if using vials)

• Lancing device

• Lancets

• Glucagon

• Ketone strips

• Glucose tablets

• Records (log sheets, logbook)

Reviewed June 2024