A pocket reference journal is a tool used by diabetics to record valuable information that may have an effect on their blood glucose levels. By keeping track of your medication use, diet, and exercise, you and your physician can make better-informed decisions about your diabetes management plan.

Better Manage Diabetes with a Pocket Reference

Keeping track of one's blood glucose level is instrumental in diabetes management. Use your pocket reference to keep a record of daily blood glucose level results, food intake, and exercise. Having these facts on hand will make it easier for you to see when you need to make adjustments to your treatment plan. In addition to keeping track of the highs and lows caused by your lifestyle choices, you can also record important information from A1C tests, ketone testing, and any diabetic symptoms you may be experiencing.

An A1C test provides an average blood glucose level for the past 2 to 3 months. Writing these results down in your pocket reference may motivate you to improve your blood glucose levels by making healthier food choices and exercising more. Since diabetics are unable to properly use glucose, their bodies use fat for energy. This process creates ketones. If left untreated, excess ketones, also called ketoacidosis, can result in diabetic coma or death. For this reason, it's important for diabetics to receive regular ketone testing. With the help of a pocket reference, you can keep track of your ketone levels, decreasing your risk for these diabetes-related complications.

Ketoacidosis is not the only serious condition associated with diabetes. Nerve damage (neuropathy) is another serious condition affecting diabetics. This condition can cause pain, tingling or numbness in one's hands, arms, feet, and legs, causing sores and infections to go unnoticed. If these injuries aren't treated, amputation of the infected limb may be necessary. However, making a note in your pocket reference of any injuries to arms, hands, legs, and feet can help prevent this from happening.

How a Pocket Reference Can Help You Cope

When you receive a life-altering diabetes diagnosis, you can feel overwhelmed. However, keeping a record of your challenges and accomplishments may make it easier for you to cope. Using your pocket reference journal, you can note any feelings or fears you may have. Over time, you can review the entries in your pocket reference journal and note any reoccurring issues. For instance, your pocket reference journal may reveal that stress causes your blood sugar to rise or fall during the work week. With the help of a pocket reference journal, you can examine your behavior and begin to be more mindful of how certain emotional factors affect your diabetes.

Additional Information to Include

Other items to include in your pocket reference journal:

• Dining out guidelines
• Carbohydrate intake
• Blood pressure
• Weight and BMI (body mass index)
• Smoking and alcohol intake
• Travel guidelines
• Emergency contact information
• Brief medical and personal history

Keeping a journal can make it easier for you to control your diabetes. Talk to your doctor to learn more about a pocket reference journal. Your doctor may also ask you to record information that can assist him or her in treating your diabetes more effectively.