Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose Tool

Is your A1C to target (typically ≤7.0%)?

Yes No

What drug(s) do you take for your diabetes?

Insulin
Insulin secretagogue1
Other2
None

1: Examples include: Glicazide (Diamicron®), Glimepiride (Amaryl®), Glyburide (DiaBeta®), Nateglinide (Starlix®), Repaglinide (Gluconorm®)
2: Examples include: Acarbose (Glucobay®), Exenatide (Byetta®), Linagliptin (Trajenta™), Liraglutide (Victoza®), Long Acting Metformin (Glumetza®), Metformin (Glucophage®), Saxagliptin (Onglyza®), Sitagliptin (Januvia®)

Do you use an insulin pump?

Yes No

What drug(s) do you take for your diabetes?

Insulin +/- others
Insulin pump

How often do you use insulin?

Once daily
Twice daily
Four times daily

Which of these insulins do you use?

Premix insulin twice daily
NPH twice daily
Rapid/regular once daily and NPH/long acting once daily
BID split-mix: Rapid/regular with NPH/long acting at breakfast and dinner

Are you sick or have you started taking a steroid medication?

Yes No

Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the past 6 months?

Yes No

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your own needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see if this pattern is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new pattern until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least as often as you take insulin. For example, if you take insulin once a day, check your sugar at least once per day. Here is an example of a blood sugar checking pattern that may work for you.

Do you need to check at other times of the day? Checking at other times may help you find out if:

• Your blood sugar is at target throughout the day, or,
• You have low blood sugar due to other medications that you take by mouth for your diabetes.

	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Is this blood sugar number above or below your target range? If it is low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your own needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see if this pattern is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new pattern until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least as often as you take insulin. For example, if you take insulin once a day, check your sugar at least once per day. Here is an example of a blood sugar checking pattern that may work for you.

Do you need to check at other times of the day? Checking at other times may help you find out if:

• Your blood sugar is at target throughout the day, or,
• You have low blood sugar due to other medications that you take by mouth for your diabetes.

	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern
Every other day, switch the times of the day you check your blood sugar
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Is this blood sugar number above or below your target range? If it is low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your own needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see which of these 2 patterns is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new patterns until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least as often as you take insulin. For example, if you take insulin twice a day, check your sugar at least twice per day.

Pattern 1

If you are not meeting your targets, check your blood sugar 4 times a day until you meet your targets. Work with a member of your healthcare team to support you so that you meet your targets.

1	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
Not meeting your blood sugar targets	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: 4 times per day
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 2

Once you are meeting your targets, check your blood sugar twice a day. Every other day, switch the times of the day you check your blood sugar.

2	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
Meeting your blood sugar targets	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: twice per day
Every other day, switch the times of the day you check your blood sugar
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your individual needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see which of these 2 patterns is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new patterns until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least as often as you take insulin. For example, if you take insulin twice a day, check your sugar at least twice per day.

Pattern 1

If you are not meeting your target, or, are starting to take insulin twice per day, check your blood sugar 4 times a day until you meet your target. Work with a member of your diabetes healthcare team to support you so that you meet your target.

• In this pattern, insulin is taken before dinner, but it could be taken before breakfast or lunch. Usually, pre-meal insulin is taken before the largest meal of the day, or the meal that would have the highest after-meal blood sugar number.

1	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
Not meeting your blood sugar targets or are starting insulin	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: 4 times per day
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 2

Once you are meeting your target, check your blood sugar twice a day. Every other day, switch the times of the day you check your blood sugar.

2	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
Meeting your blood sugar targets	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: twice per day
Every other day, switch the times of the day you check your blood sugar
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your individual needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see which of these patterns is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new patterns until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least as often as you take insulin. For example, when you take insulin 4 times per day, check your blood sugar at least 4 times a day. Here are 3 examples of blood sugar checking patterns that may work for you. Talk to your healthcare provider to see which pattern is right for you.

Pattern 1

When you are meeting your targets, check your blood sugar 4 times per day, before each meal and at bedtime in order to see how your previous insulin dose worked.

1	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
Starting to take insulin 4 times per day, or are meeting blood sugar targets	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: 4 times per day
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 2

If you are not meeting your targets, check your blood sugar 8 times a day until you meet your targets. Work with a member of your healthcare team to support you so that you meet your targets.

2	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
If you are not meeting your blood sugar targets, and need more blood sugar readings to learn what changes will help you meet your targets	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: 8 times per day
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your individual needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see which of these patterns is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new patterns until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least equal to the number of insulin doses.

	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
When you take insulin	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: 4 times per day
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your individual needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see which of these 3 patterns is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new patterns until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least as often as you take insulin. For example, when you take insulin 4 times per day, check your blood sugar at least 4 times a day. Here are 3 examples of blood sugar checking patterns that may work for you. Talk to your healthcare provider to see which pattern is right for you.

Pattern 1

When you are meeting your targets, check your blood sugar 4 times per day, before each meal and at bedtime in order to see how your previous insulin dose worked.

1	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
Starting to take insulin 4 times per day, or are meeting blood sugar targets	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
	Continuous rapid-acting insulin throughout the day
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: 4 times per day
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 2

If you are not meeting your targets, check your blood sugar 8 times a day until you meet your targets. Work with a member of your healthcare team to support you so that you meet your targets.

2	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
If you are not meeting your blood sugar targets, and need more blood sugar readings to learn what changes will help you meet your targets.	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
When you take insulin
	Continuous rapid-acting insulin throughout the day
A suggested blood sugar checking pattern: 8 times per day
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your own needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see if one of these 4 patterns is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new pattern until you speak with your healthcare provider.

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the past 6 months, check your blood sugar at least once per day, and, at different times of the day to learn the effects of the food you eat, exercise and/or medications on your blood sugar.

Pattern 1

This pattern for checking your blood sugar is helpful when you are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

1	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 2

This pattern for checking your blood sugar is helpful when you are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, to learn the effects of the food you eat.

2	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 3

This pattern for checking your blood sugar is helpful when you are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to learn the effects of exercise. Sometimes, improvements in blood sugar can be seen 4 -8 hours later, so alternate the times you check your blood sugar after exercising.

3	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday				EXERCISE
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday						EXERCISE
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 4

This pattern for checking your blood sugar is helpful to learn about your blood sugar levels during a typical day.

4	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your own needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see if this pattern is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new pattern until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar 1 to 2 times per week. If you take a medication that is known to cause low blood sugar, check also when you suspect your blood sugar is low, or when it has occurred.

	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your own needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see if one of these three patterns is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new pattern until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least twice per day.

Pattern 1

Check your blood sugar at least twice per day, to help you make food, exercise and/or medication changes, until your blood sugar targets are met. If you take a medication that is known to cause low blood sugar, check also when you suspect your blood sugar is low, or when it has occurred.

1	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 2

Check your blood sugar at least twice per day, to help you make food, exercise and/or medication changes, until your blood sugar targets are met. If you take a medication that is known to cause low blood sugar, check also when you suspect your blood sugar is low, or when it has occurred.

2	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 3

Check your blood sugar at least twice per day, to help you make food, exercise and/or medication changes, until your blood sugar targets are met. If you take a medication that is known to cause low blood sugar, check also when you suspect your blood sugar is low, or when it has occurred.

3	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF

This tool can help you learn about a blood sugar checking pattern that is right for your own needs. Talk to a member of your diabetes healthcare team to see if one of these 2 patterns is right for you. Do not change your current pattern to any new pattern until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Check your blood sugar at least 4 times per day.

Pattern 1

Check your blood sugar at least 4 times per day.

1	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

Pattern 2

Check your blood sugar at least 4 times per day.

2	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner		Bedtime	Night
	before	after	before	after	before	after		2:00 - 3:00 am
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Write down your blood sugar readings on this log page or, download and view them on your computer. Look for patterns. Review with someone on your healthcare team.
	Are any of these blood sugar numbers above or below your target range? If any are low or high, consider what the cause may be.   ↓ Lows (also called hypoglycemia) may be caused by:    →   More physical activity than usual    →   Not eating on time or skipping a meal    →   Eating less carbohydrates than you should have    →    The effects of diabetes medications, including insulin    →   The effects of drinking alcohol   If the blood sugar number is lower than 4 mmol/L – take action!   Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams) Wait 10 to 15 minutes Check your blood sugar again. If it is still low treat again with a fast-acting carbohydrate Read this resource to learn more about hypoglycemia. ↑ Highs may be caused when:      →   Food, activity, and medications are not balanced    →   You are sick    →   You are under stress    →   You are not taking the right amount of insulin   If a pattern of lows or highs continues, talk to someone on your healthcare team about the need to increase or decrease the insulin you take.

YOUR suggested blood sugar pattern(s):Download PDF

ALL blood sugar patterns:Download PDF