Attention Type 1 Diabetics : Need some feedback here!

I am still amazed that my blog post about 25 years with diabetes was one of my most-read posts.  But I think that there are a lot of diabetics out there that are looking for feedback, encouragement, and information from someone other than their doctors, nutritionists, or diabetes educators.  Someone who actually HAS diabetes.  I know I am!

So today I’m looking for some feedback.  If you haven’t been here before, I am a type 1 diabetic (diagnosed 25 years ago at age 10).  I use an insulin pump.  I have three children, ages 7, 5, and 1.  I have a busy life.

My last HBA1C reading was higher than it has been in probably 8 years.  I faithfully check my BG (4-5 times/day).  But I don’t spend much more time on it - I feel like I don’t have the time to analyze my BG readings adequately, and then make changes and analyze the effect of those changes.  Lately I’ve been using the Minimed online software to do this, but I’ve only been doing it about once every 6 months (before an endo appt.).  I know, it’s not enough.  I’m curious about how others manage this.  So would you share with me the answers to the following:

1. Do you use some type of software to analyze trends, etc.?
2. How often do you actually take a look at your trends, analyze them (i.e., decide if basal rates or carb ratios need to be adjusted), and then make the appropriate changes?
3. If you make changes, do you go back and analyze the affect of those changes?
4. Do you do most of this on your own or on the advice of your doctor?

Thanks for your help, fellow diabetics!  I appreciate it!