Journaling for Your Health

You may have heard about the positive powers of journaling, from improving memory to boosting creativity. Many people with diabetes already keep a food and activity diary [PDF - 38KB]; recording thoughts and feelings in a journal could make it easier to manage other things about diabetes that aren’t as easily measured.

For the Ups and Downs

A good example: stress can raise blood sugar. Regular journal entries could help pinpoint what’s causing the stress—and whether it’s a one-time thing or part of a pattern—and point the way toward a solution.

Journaling may also help you

• Understand your challenges and strengths.
• Clarify your thoughts and feelings.
• Solve problems.
• Recognize successes.
• Manage information overload.

For a quick way to find out how others are using journaling to manage their diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association’s Community page and search “Journaling.”

Ready to get started? Check out USDA.gov’s SuperTracker app, which offers a journaling component along with food and physical activity trackers, a weight manager, a virtual coach, even group challenges.

Find Out More

CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation
Managing Diabetes
SuperTracker App
Diabetes Features & Spotlights
CDC Diabetes on Facebook
@CDCDiabetes on Twitter