A physiological characteristic monitor comprises an input device (106) capable of receiving a signal from a sensor (102), the signal being based on a physiological characteristic value of a user for example blood glucose concentration. The monitor has a processor (108) for analyzing the received signal, and initiates a timer based upon a conditions associated with the physiological characteristic value of the user. It also provides a reminder to the user following expiration of the timer. The reminder may include an alarm signal selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, a tactile signal and a display. Typically, the duration of the timer is preset based upon the initiating condition, which may be that an event marker is entered into the monitor. Event markers may be a meal marker, an exercise marker, a high blood glucose marker or a low blood glucose marker.
