Complete Guide to Carb Counting. Hope S. Warshaw

      You’ll likely need to check your blood glucose levels more often when you start carb counting, until you get a sense of your blood glucose patterns. You might also have to check more if you make a change in the dose of a medication, add a medication, start an exercise program, etc. When your diabetes management plan changes, more frequent blood glucose checks can help you adjust.

      Keeping Records for the Long Haul

      Following this seven-step plan for a few days helps you get a sense of how carb counting works and how your blood glucose level reacts to the food you eat. Going forward, you’ll want to keep even more detailed records to help you and your diabetes care provider track your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. For your long-term record keeping, you’ll want to note more than just your carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels. The information below introduces other factors you’ll want to track:

      Physical Activity

      Being physically active generally lowers blood glucose (but be aware that it can also raise blood glucose). Being physically active is an important part of managing your diabetes, and an important part of staying healthy. If you’re not already physically active, it’s always a good idea to start! Any amount of activity is good—but it’s also important to remember to note it in your records. Be sure to write down the type of activity, how long you did it, and when. Be sure to check with your health care team before you start an exercise regimen.

      Emotions, Stress, Illness, and Unusual Situations

      Changes in day-to-day events can affect blood glucose levels, too. When you or a loved one is ill or when you’re dealing with a deadline at work or with conflict in a relationship, you may see changes in your results. It’s important to record information about the emotions you’re feeling and the stressful situations you’re dealing with. It’s also important to record positive emotions and situations. For example, vacations may be a positive change to your regular routine, but vacations also often cause you to eat differently and at different times. Women should note menstrual periods in their records as well; the various phases of the menstrual cycle, including the hormonal surges of adolescence and menopause, can affect blood glucose levels.

      Medications

      If you take blood glucose–lowering medications, it’s important for you to track the medications you take, how much, and when. This information, along with all the other factors in your records, will help fine-tune your diabetes control.

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