Blood Sugar Level Chart Mmol L To Mg Dl
Introduction
Blood sugar level refers to the amount of glucose present in the bloodstream at any given time. This is a crucial parameter that helps doctors diagnose diabetes and monitor the blood sugar levels of people with diabetes. In countries like the UK, blood sugar levels are usually measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L), while in the US, blood sugar levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This article will discuss a blood sugar level chart that converts mmol/L to mg/dL and vice versa, for the benefit of people who may need to convert the units for various reasons.
Blood Sugar Level Chart
The following chart shows the conversion of blood sugar levels from mmol/L to mg/dL and vice versa:
As can be seen from the chart, blood sugar levels of 5 mmol/L and 90 mg/dL are equivalent, as are blood sugar levels of 10 mmol/L and 180 mg/dL. It is important to note that blood sugar levels can vary throughout the day and are affected by factors such as food intake, physical activity, and medication.
Why Convert Blood Sugar Levels?
People may need to convert blood sugar levels from mmol/L to mg/dL or vice versa for various reasons. For example, a person with diabetes who is traveling from the UK to the US may need to convert their blood sugar levels to the local units to ensure that they are within their target range. Similarly, a person who is reading medical literature from another country may need to convert the blood sugar levels in the text to their local units to better understand the information.
How to Convert Blood Sugar Levels?
To convert blood sugar levels from mmol/L to mg/dL, simply multiply the value in mmol/L by 18. To convert blood sugar levels from mg/dL to mmol/L, simply divide the value in mg/dL by 18. For example, if a person's blood sugar level is 7 mmol/L, their equivalent blood sugar level in mg/dL would be 126 (7 x 18). Similarly, if a person's blood sugar level is 126 mg/dL, their equivalent blood sugar level in mmol/L would be 7 (126 / 18).
Target Blood Sugar Levels
The target blood sugar levels for people with diabetes may vary depending on factors such as age, duration of diabetes, and presence of other medical conditions. However, in general, the American Diabetes Association recommends the following target blood sugar levels:
- Fasting blood sugar (before meals): 80-130 mg/dL (4.4-7.2 mmol/L)
- Postprandial blood sugar (2 hours after meals): less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L)
It is important for people with diabetes to work with their healthcare provider to determine their individual target blood sugar levels and to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.
Conclusion
Blood sugar level is a crucial parameter that helps diagnose and monitor diabetes. Blood sugar levels are usually measured in different units in different countries, but can be easily converted using a simple formula. The target blood sugar levels for people with diabetes may vary depending on individual factors. It is important for people with diabetes to work with their healthcare provider to determine their individual target blood sugar levels and to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.