Blood Sugar converter:
What’s the difference between mmol/L and mg/dL?
Both units are used to measure blood sugar levels and indicate the amount of glucose in the blood, but they do so in different ways.
The mmol/L unit represents the molarity, which is the number of molecules of a substance in a specified volume, typically 1 litre. On the other hand, the mg/dL unit indicates concentration by the ratio of weight to volume, specifically milligrams per decilitre.
The UK mostly uses mmol/L, while mg/dL is predominant in the USA and continental Europe. Blood glucose levels in people without diabetes usually range from 4 mmol/L to 6 mmol/L.
It is crucial to control blood sugar levels tightly to minimise the risk of developing complications. For individuals with diabetes, measuring and understanding what their glucose levels should be is an essential aspect of treatment.
You can convert between the two units using the formulas: mmol/l = mg/dl / 18 and mg/dl = 18 × mmol/l.
Whether you can change the units given by your blood glucose meter depends on the specific device. Some meters enable you to switch between units, while others only display one set of units. Consult the manual or contact the manufacturer if you are uncertain.
Different parts of the world utilise different units for measuring blood glucose, emphasising the significance of comprehending which unit is in use in your region