There can be a number of areas that you need to keep track of when you have diabetes. If you’ve just been diagnosed, it may even seem like too much. Fortunately, your cell phone can come to your rescue. With the right tracking app, managing your diabetes will be much easier. Let’s look at some of the benefits of using one or two of those apps.
1. You Can Organize Medications
As a diabetic, you likely have a strict medication schedule. Depending on the type of diabetes and other chronic illnesses you may be dealing with, it can be hectic to stay on top of it all. Tracking apps typically offer reminders to take your medication as well as a space for notes where you can add what the drugs are for or any side effects.
2. You Can Track Blood Sugar Results
Keeping your blood sugar within acceptable levels is essential to a healthy diabetic. When you record your results in a tracking app, it’s easier to see trends or the start of a health crisis that your doctor needs to know about. Some apps will even show results as far back as a few years.
3. There Are Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
When you have diabetes, a change in diet is recommended almost immediately. The problem is that most people don’t know where to start. Tracking apps offer recipe suggestions and recommendations for substitutes if an ingredient is problematic. You can also use them to track your carb intake and see any correlation to changes in your blood sugar level.
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4. They Can Sync With Fitness Trackers
In some cases, weight loss is a part of your diabetes management plan. A tracking app can sync with your fitness tracker to give a more accurate picture of how close you are to accomplishing your goal. Some apps also offer recommendations for how you can change your fitness routine.
5. There’s A Built-In Support System
Support systems are helpful for anyone with a chronic illness but they aren’t always easy to find. Tracking apps put groups of people who are dealing with the same issues right at your fingertips. These may be people with diabetes or medical professionals depending on the app.
6. You Can Share Trends With Your Doctor
While trend information can be helpful for you, it’s imperative for your doctor. Instead of trying to explain what you’ve experienced, tracking apps offer definitive data that the doctor can use to make decisions about your care.
7. There Are Mini Courses On Your Condition
There’s a lot to learn about diabetes and how to manage it, but your doctor may not have the time to tell you everything. Some tracking apps offer small courses that highlight what you need to know. This can be especially helpful for people who have just been diagnosed.
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8. There Are Timely Check-Ins
Your blood sugar level can vary based on different factors such as strenuous exercise and what you’ve eaten. When your tracking app is synced with fitness or nutrition apps, it can trigger a check-in alarm so you know to check your blood sugar level.
9. They Provide Emergency Information
Even with proper management, you can have a diabetic crisis. Some tracking apps store information about your condition, a summary of your medical records, and your emergency contacts. This part of the app is usually accessible even if your device is locked.
10. You Can Get Customized Help
Generic information can be a guideline but doesn’t always address specific issues. With a tracker app, you can get personalized recommendations for your fitness or nutrition from professionals in the industry. This won’t replace your doctor’s prescribed regimen but it can supplement it.
Great Tips For Choosing The Right Diabetes Tracking App
When you go searching for a tracking app, it’s possible that you’ll get hundreds of results. The question is how do you choose? It’s best to narrow down your search to apps that cover as many of the areas you’d like to track as possible.
You should also look for apps that are user-friendly and are updated regularly. If you plan to sync the tracker with other apps on your device, make sure it supports that.
Finally, it’s a good idea to stick to apps that are specific to the U.S. as your location will be important for nutrition, fitness, and emergency information.
Of course, your doctor may have further recommendations so let them know that you’re looking for an effective diabetes tracking app.
If you’ve been wondering how to manage your diabetes more easily and efficiently, a tracking app could be exactly what you need. You can start by writing down what you’d like the app to cover, talking to your doctor, and doing some research.
