A diabetes diary for your child: a guide for parents
When you keep a diabetes diary for a child, agree who records what, write down readings with the time and context, and note food, activity, illness and any medicine as prescribed. Share one summary with the care team and the school nurse if needed. The diary supports the care plan. It never replaces it.
What should you record?
- Each reading with the unit, the time and the context (fasting, before or after a meal, bedtime).
- Meals and snacks, with rough portions or carbohydrate amounts if you know them.
- Insulin or other medicines exactly as prescribed, with the time.
- Activity, such as sport, play or a school trip.
- Illness, poor sleep, excitement or other unusual days.
Share the job
If several adults look after your child, decide who records which readings. A shared diary, kept in one place, avoids gaps and double entries. Note who recorded each entry.
Share the record
- Bring a summary to appointments (see how to prepare).
- Ask the care team what the school or nursery needs, and share it as they advise.
- Teach your child to take part in the diary as they grow, at a pace the care team supports.
Keep it kind
A diary is a tool for patterns, not a score. Numbers outside a range are information. Praise the effort of keeping the record.
Privacy matters
A child's health information is sensitive. Keep the diary on a device protected by a passcode, and share only with people who need it.
Information, not medical advice. Talk to your care team about your own targets and treatment. Never use a converter or a diary entry to work out an insulin or medicine dose.
Frequently asked questions
Can a parent use Glycove for a child?
Yes. During setup you choose "my child or someone I care for". The account holder must be an adult.
Who should record readings?
Agree this as a family. Many families have one adult responsible per day or setting, and note who recorded each entry.
Should the diary replace the school care plan?
No. The care team and school have their own plan. The diary gives them accurate information to work with.
Keep reading
Blood sugar diary
A practical guide to keeping a blood sugar diary: what to record, why context matters, and a simple template you can copy.
Daily habits and self-carePrepare for an appointment
What to bring to a diabetes appointment, which numbers to summarize and a list of questions to ask your care team.
Daily habits and self-careLogging insulin
What to write when you record an insulin dose: name, units, time and context. A guide to keeping an accurate record without calculating doses.