I recently made a resolution. I challenged myself to up the ante on my daily blood glucose testing routine. Seeing some vast holes in my finger stick line graphs, I knew I was due for a kick-start. It started off with a flurry of finger lances and a rapidly growing discard pile of test strips. Since then, it has mellowed out ever so slightly, to a more maintainable pace.

200 test strips per month is what my health insurance allows me. That gives me seven strips a day to use as I will. Give or take a few, for you math whizzes out there.

To keep myself organized, I mentally plotted my daily testing agenda. A mental list keeps me accountable, and honestly, keeps me from forgetting.

Here's how the test strips break down:

1. First thing in the morning. Dawn phenomenon?-only one way to know. A.K.A. should I hold the OJ this morning?

2. Ninety minutes after breakfast. Needed that granola bar after all!

3. Right before lunch. Spaghetti bowl?-or mixed salad.

4. Ninety minutes after lunch. Right on track ... Nice!

5. Right before dinner. Any extra insulin needed, you hungry cells?

6. Ninety minutes after dinner. Dessert? Why yes, thank you.

7. Before lights out. Pat on the back for the day or, lessons learned for tomorrow.

In the busy life I sometimes lead, this plan can quickly go to pieces. It mostly stands as a guideline for me to work from. And it definitely gets re-worked through the obstacles of the day.

The bottom line is that I have a number to work with. Establishing a bolus of insulin here, or a quick snack there. All serving to keep me in range and feeling my best!