Blood Sugar Level Chart Mmol L To Mg/Dl
Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential for individuals who have diabetes, a disease that affects how your body processes glucose (sugar) in your blood. Blood sugar levels can be measured in different units, including millimoles per liter (mmol/L) and milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), which can be confusing for those who are not familiar with the different measurement systems. In this article, we will discuss the blood sugar level chart and how to convert mmol/L to mg/dL.
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is a type of sugar that is found in your bloodstream. It is the primary source of energy for your body's cells and tissues. Your body needs a steady supply of glucose to function properly, but too much or too little can be harmful.
What is a Blood Sugar Level Chart?
A blood sugar level chart is a tool that helps people with diabetes track and manage their blood sugar levels. It provides a visual representation of blood sugar levels throughout the day and helps individuals make adjustments to their diet, exercise, and medication to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
How to Read a Blood Sugar Level Chart?
A blood sugar level chart typically displays the time of day on the x-axis and the blood sugar level on the y-axis. The chart may also include target blood sugar levels for different times of the day, such as before and after meals, and before bedtime. To read the chart, simply locate the time of day and corresponding blood sugar level.
Converting Blood Sugar Levels from mmol/L to mg/dL
In some countries, blood sugar levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L), while in others, they are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). To convert mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply the mmol/L value by 18. To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide the mg/dL value by 18.
What are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?
Normal blood sugar levels for individuals without diabetes are typically between 70 and 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) when fasting (not eating for at least 8 hours) and less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after eating. However, target blood sugar levels may vary depending on the individual's age, health condition, and other factors.
What are High Blood Sugar Levels?
High blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia, occur when there is too much glucose in your bloodstream. Symptoms of high blood sugar levels may include frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, and headaches. If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, and heart disease.
What are Low Blood Sugar Levels?
Low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycemia, occur when there is too little glucose in your bloodstream. Symptoms of low blood sugar levels may include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and irritability. If left untreated, low blood sugar levels can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death.
How to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels?
To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes should follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, and take any medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider. It is also important to avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption as these can worsen blood sugar control.
Conclusion
A blood sugar level chart is a helpful tool for individuals with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. Converting between mmol/L and mg/dL can be confusing, but it is essential to understand the different measurement systems to properly monitor blood sugar levels. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is critical to prevent serious health complications associated with diabetes.
