Tool 48/54·Charts & Guides
Free, print-ready blood sugar tracking charts for daily diabetes management — weekly or monthly format.
Template Type
Options
Opens your browser print dialog. Works on any device.
Source: American Diabetes Association Standards of Care. Your personal targets may differ — always follow your provider's guidance.
ADA Target Ranges (for reference)
| Timing | Target (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Fasting / Before meals | 80–130 mg/dL |
| 1–2 hours after meals | < 180 mg/dL |
| Bedtime | 100–140 mg/dL |
| Hypoglycemia (low) | < 70 mg/dL |
| Hyperglycemia (high) | > 180 mg/dL |
Source: American Diabetes Association. Your personal targets may differ — follow your provider's guidance.
| Day / Date | Time | Reading (mg/dL) | Meal / Timing | Notes (food, activity, symptoms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | ||||
| Tuesday | ||||
| Wednesday | ||||
| Thursday | ||||
| Friday | ||||
| Saturday | ||||
| Sunday | ||||
Consistent blood sugar monitoring is one of the most powerful tools for managing diabetes. Each reading tells a story about how your body responds to food, exercise, stress, sleep, and medication. Over time, a log reveals patterns that no single reading can — like a consistent spike after certain meals or elevated morning readings that signal the dawn phenomenon.
The 15-15 Rule for Hypoglycemia
If your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., 4 glucose tablets, 4 oz of juice, or regular soda). Wait 15 minutes, then recheck. If still below 70 mg/dL, repeat. Once your level returns to normal, have a small snack if your next meal is more than an hour away.
A blood sugar log is only as useful as the context you give it. Recording the time of day alongside your reading is essential — a level of 140 mg/dL looks very different as a fasting reading versus two hours after a carb-heavy meal. Note what you ate, any physical activity, stress, illness, or changes in medication. This context transforms a list of numbers into actionable information you and your provider can act on.
The weekly log gives you four rows per day — ideal for people who check multiple times daily. There is space for time, reading, meal timing, and notes, making it perfect for type 1 diabetes management or intensive insulin therapy. The monthly log provides a compact one-line-per-day format with columns for key testing moments (fasting, after each meal, bedtime). This works well for type 2 diabetes managed with diet or oral medication, or as a summary sheet to bring to quarterly appointments. Many people use both: a weekly log during the week and a monthly summary at the end of each month.
Pair your paper log with a nutrition app like Caloria to see how your meals affect your readings. Logging what you eat alongside your blood sugar gives you the full picture — and makes it much easier to identify which foods work best for your glucose management.
01
Testing frequency depends on your diabetes type and treatment plan. People with type 1 diabetes typically check 4–10 times daily — before meals, after meals, at bedtime, and sometimes overnight. People with type 2 diabetes on insulin may check 2–4 times daily. Those managing with diet and oral medication may check less frequently. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific guidance for your situation.
02
For most adults with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends fasting blood sugar of 80–130 mg/dL and less than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after meals. For people without diabetes, fasting levels are typically 70–99 mg/dL. However, your personal targets may differ — your doctor sets individualized goals based on your age, health history, and treatment plan.
03
Key testing times include: first thing in the morning before eating (fasting), before each meal, 1–2 hours after the start of a meal (postprandial), at bedtime, before and after exercise, and whenever you feel symptoms of low or high blood sugar. Logging readings at consistent times helps your provider identify patterns and adjust your treatment.
04
For accurate logging, always record the date, time of day, your reading in mg/dL, and what you were doing — fasting, after a meal, after exercise, or sick. Note anything unusual that could affect levels, like stress, illness, or a change in medication. Bring your log to every medical appointment so your provider can review trends and make informed adjustments.
05
If your reading is below 70 mg/dL (hypoglycemia), follow the 15-15 rule: consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, and recheck. If it remains low, repeat. If your reading is above 180 mg/dL (hyperglycemia), drink water, avoid high-carb foods, check for ketones if instructed, and contact your doctor if levels stay elevated. Always follow your doctor's specific emergency protocol.
06
Yes, this printable log works for gestational diabetes tracking. However, target ranges differ — gestational diabetes targets are typically stricter: fasting below 95 mg/dL and 1-hour postmeal below 140 mg/dL (or 2-hour below 120 mg/dL). Always use the specific targets your OB or endocrinologist has given you and bring your completed log to every prenatal appointment.