Why track both on one sheet
Many people with diabetes are also asked to check their blood pressure at home. Two separate notebooks means two things to carry and two things to forget. On one page, your doctor sees a week of glucose and blood pressure side by side, and so do you.
The American Diabetes Association says the target blood pressure for most people with diabetes is 130/80 mmHg (ADA). Your own targets for blood pressure and blood sugar come from your doctor.
How to fill in the log
- Blood sugar: write the reading from your meter in the Before breakfast, Before dinner and Bedtime boxes. Leave a box empty if you did not test then.
- Blood pressure: each BP box has a slash in the middle. Write the top number (systolic) before it and the bottom number (diastolic) after it, for example 128 / 82.
- Two readings? If you take two blood pressure readings, write both in the box, or add a second BP column with + Add time.
- Notes: write down blood pressure tablets, a missed dose, a salty meal, poor sleep, illness or stress. These are often what explain a high number.
How to measure blood pressure at home
The American Heart Association gives these steps for an accurate home reading (AHA):
- No smoking, caffeine or exercise in the 30 minutes before. Empty your bladder.
- Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes first. Don't talk or use your phone.
- Sit with your arm supported on a table at heart level, with the cuff on bare skin just above the bend of the elbow.
- Measure at the same time every day.
- Take two readings one minute apart and write both down.
It's easy to check blood sugar first, out of habit, then put the cuff straight on. Sit and rest for the 5 minutes before the blood pressure reading, even if you just tested your glucose.
Change it to fit your routine
Every column can be renamed, moved or removed. Add an After lunch check, move the BP columns next to the times you measure, or switch the size to Pocket card to keep it in your meter case. Any column whose name starts with BP gets the slash for top and bottom numbers.
Not medical advice. This log is a place to write down your numbers. Your target range, testing times and doses come from your doctor, diabetes nurse or clinic.
Questions
How do I write blood pressure in the log?
Write the top number (systolic) before the slash and the bottom number (diastolic) after it. If your monitor shows pulse too, you can add it in Notes.
What blood pressure is the target with diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association says the target for most people with diabetes is 130/80 mmHg. Your doctor may set a different target for you.
When should I check my blood pressure at home?
At the same time every day, often morning and evening. Ask your doctor how often to measure. The log has a morning and an evening BP column you can rename.
Can I add a column for pulse or another blood sugar check?
Yes. Use + Add time and give the column a name. Columns named BP get a slash; other columns are plain boxes.
mg/dL or mmol/L?
Choose the unit your meter shows. Blood pressure is always in mmHg.