Printable Blood Sugar Log: Free Large Print Chart (PDF)

All four files have the same seven pages. Pick the paper size you use: US Letter in the US and Canada, A4 almost everywhere else.

• Blood Sugar Log, color, US Letter (PDF, 7 pages)
• Blood Sugar Log, black and white, US Letter (PDF, 7 pages)
• Blood Sugar Log, color, A4 (PDF, 7 pages)
• Blood Sugar Log, black and white, A4 (PDF, 7 pages)

You only need to print the pages you use. Most people print a weekly log page each week and keep the rest in a folder.

• Page 1 — Cover.
• Page 2 — Understanding your numbers: the CDC target ranges with space for your own targets, the signs of low blood sugar, the 15-15 rule and what counts as 15 grams of carbs.
• Page 3 — How to check your blood sugar: the steps to follow every time.
• Page 4 — My details: your doctor, diabetes nurse, pharmacy, meter, when to check, your low blood sugar plan and your medicines.
• Pages 5 and 6 — Weekly log: Monday to Sunday, before and after breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus bedtime, with a small line for the time and a notes column.
• Page 7 — Simple log: one reading per line with the date, time, meal, medicine and notes.

The CDC gives these ranges for most people with diabetes who are not pregnant. It adds that your own target range may be different, based on your age, health status and diabetes management plan, so write the targets your doctor gives you on page 2 and go by those.

The CDC says blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low. Common signs are a fast heartbeat, shaking, sweating, nervousness or anxiety, irritability or confusion, dizziness and hunger.

The CDC’s 15-15 rule for treating a low:

1. 1

   Have 15 grams of carbs

   then wait 15 minutes.

2. 2

   Check your blood sugar again

   and if it is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat.

3. 3

   Keep going until you are back in your target range

   then eat a balanced snack or meal with protein and carbs.

These examples are from the CDC. Keep one of them where you check your blood sugar.

• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of juice or regular, non-diet soda
• 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey or syrup
• 3 to 4 glucose tablets (follow the label)
• 1 dose of glucose gel, usually 1 tube (follow the label)
• Hard candies, jellybeans or gumdrops (check the label for how many)

These steps follow the CDC’s guide to monitoring your blood sugar:

1. 1

   Make sure the meter is ready to use

   charged, with strips that are in date.

2. 2

   Wash your hands with soap and warm water

   and dry them well before every check.

3. 3

   Massage or shake out your hand

   to get blood into your finger.

4. 4

   Prick your finger with the lancet

   then gently squeeze from the base of the finger onto the strip.

5. 5

   Put the strip in the meter

   and the reading appears after a few seconds.

6. 6

   Write the result in your log

   with a note on anything that might have affected it.

7. 7

   Throw the lancet and strip away safely

   and never share your equipment, even with family.

• Write exactly what the meter shows, rather than rounding.
• Use the notes column for anything that might explain a number: a late meal, a missed dose, illness, poor sleep or extra activity.
• Ask your doctor when and how often to check. The CDC says your doctor will tell you when and how often.
• Bring the log to every appointment, along with your meter if it stores readings.
• Never change or stop a medicine or insulin dose because of your readings without talking to your doctor first.