The 2-4-6 rule for diabetes: a quick guide
What is it?
If you have diabetes, you probably know how important it is to control your blood sugar. But how do you know if you’re doing it right? Meet the “2-4-6 rule” – a handy trick that can help you monitor your blood sugar levels. Not only is it easy to remember, but it also sounds like a fun game!
So, how does the 2-4-6 rule work? Simple: you measure your blood sugar at three different times of the day – two hours after breakfast, four hours after lunch and six hours after dinner. If your blood sugar falls within a certain range, you’re on the right track!
What values should you get
Let’s look at the different values:
- Two hours after breakfast: 4.0 – 8.0 mmol/L or 70 – 145 mg/dL
- Four hours after lunch: 4.0 – 10.0 mmol/L or 70 – 180 mg/dL
- Six hours after dinner: 4.0 – 8.5 mmol/L or 70 – 150 mg/dL
If you stay within these limits, that’s great news! You have probably administered the right amount of insulin and your blood sugar is stable.
But what if your blood sugar levels fall outside this range? Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you’ve “lost the game”. It’s just a sign that there might be something you need to adjust. You may need to increase or decrease your insulin dose, change your diet, exercise more, or a combination of these things. If you would like to know how others deal with this, be sure to ask our Diacé community.
Discuss it with your doctor
Now that you know how the 2-4-6 rule works, it’s time to have a little fun with it. Let’s apply the rule to other aspects of our lives. For example:
- Two hours after watching a rom-com: still unable to stop crying
- Four hours after eating a pizza: feeling the need to go for a long walk
- Six hours after drinking a cup of coffee: Still feeling like you’re flying
Okay, maybe those examples aren’t as helpful as the 2-4-6 rule for diabetes, but they make it more fun, don’t they?
Back to diabetes. Applying this rule consistently can help you maintain control of your blood sugar. But remember that everyone is different and there are many factors that can affect your blood sugar levels. That’s why it’s important to have regular contact with your doctor or diabetes nurse to discuss what works best for you. Want more helpful tips? Read our other articles here.