Using the "4 Ms" - medication, movement, meal planning and
monitoring - can be very effective in controlling blood glucose
levels. Medication and movement typically lower blood glucose,
while a diabetic diet helps you limit carbohydrates that tend to
raise blood glucose. Monitoring helps you answer diabetes questions
like: Do I need a snack? Can I safely exercise? Can I go to sleep
without experiencing low blood glucose? Balancing medications,
moving and meal planning with blood glucose monitoring systems will
help you achieve your target regularly. Discuss the "4 Ms" with
your doctor, and ask if meeting with a certified diabetes educator
may be helpful in managing your diabetes. Controlled blood glucose
helps reduce the risk of developing long-term complications.