Tips

for Teens with Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes Journaling


What is Type 1 Diabetes?

You have been diagnosed with type
1 diabetes because your body cant
make insulin.

Your body must receive insulin
through injections or from a pump.

Insulin is a hormone that helps your
body use glucose. Glucose is the
bodys #1 source of fuel for energy.

If you do not have enough insulin for
glucose from your food to be used
for energy, glucose will build up in
your blood. Why Should I Journal?

Journaling helps you

monitor factors that can
What Do I Journal? increase or decrease your

blood glucose levels.

The amount of You can identify patterns
carbohydrates you eat. in your blood sugar levels.

Your blood glucose levels. Patterns can help you

learn if you need to make
Your physical activity.
changes in your diet or to
your insulin amounts.
Missed meals and snacks.

Note times when you are
sick or stressed about
school, sports, etc.

 Sample Diabetes Journal

It is important to check your blood sugars before and 2 hours after meals to identify
patterns between your carbohydrate intakes and blood glucose levels.

Handout Created by Jessi Breland, Dietetic Intern, The University of Southern Mississippi