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Your blood glucose meter is like a flashlight that helps you see in the dark. Knowing your blood sugar levels gives you information so you can make important decisions about managing your diabetes. It helps you know how to adjust food, medicine, and activity levels to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.
Why make an action plan?
Making an action plan each week can help you plan specific steps to check your blood sugar more regularly, so you can get the information that you want.
What do you want to do?
Make your action plan something you want to do, not something you think you have to do. Make a plan that is realistic and action specific. Make your plan something you can continue to do or build on over time.
What's realistic for you right now?
First, think about what information you want to know from your blood sugar results and when the best times are for you to test to get that information. Your physician or diabetes provider may have information on times of day for blood sugar testing for you. Here are some examples of specific and achievable goals for checking blood sugar regularly to get the information you need:
- I will check my blood sugar every morning this week before breakfast and keep a record of the results. That way I'll know how well my diabetes medicine is working to control my blood sugar while I sleep.
- I will check my blood sugar before going out to eat on Saturday night, so I know how much fast-acting insulin to take.
- I will check my blood sugar whenever I feel "odd." That way I'll know what actions to take if my blood sugar level is too low or too high.
What might keep you from reaching your goal?
Once you've figured out your goal, think about what things can get in the way of reaching it. Then plan ahead of time to make it easier for you to reach your goal. Here are some examples:
What might get in my way?
- I'm so tired in the morning that I forget to check my blood sugar.
- I always forget to take my meter with me.
What might make it easier for me?
- I'll put my meter and record book on the breakfast table, so I won't forget to check and record the result.
- I'll get an extra meter, so I'll have one at home and one that I carry with me. That way I can check my blood sugar wherever I am.
Create your plan
Use these tips to make your action plan successful:
- Pick something you want to do.
- Keep your plan realistic. Start with small steps.
- Make your plan action specific. Know exactly what you're going to do, how much or often, and when.
- Plan ahead for possible barriers and the things you can do to help you succeed.
- Keep track of your progress.
You can use this action plan form (PDF) or create one of your own.
Celebrate and evaluate
At the end of the week, look back on what you've been able to achieve. Congratulate yourself on what went well. Then make a new plan for next week.
You might be able to stretch your goal for next week by doing more of the things that worked. If you fell short of meeting your goal because things got in your way, find solutions that can help you get past your barriers next time.
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