Blood Sugar mg/dL vs. mmol/L: A Simple Conversion Guide and Chart Understanding your blood sugar levels is vital, especially if you have diabetes or a...
Blood Sugar mg/dL vs. mmol/L: A Simple Conversion Guide and Chart
Understanding your blood sugar levels is vital, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is measured in different units depending on the country and laboratory. The two most common units are milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and millimoles per liter (mmol/L). This article will provide a simple guide to converting between these units, a helpful conversion chart, and a discussion about why these measurements matter for managing your health.
Related reading: Low Blood Sugar Hypoglycemia Symptoms Causes And What To Do
Why Are Blood Sugar Levels Measured Differently?
The difference in measurement units largely comes down to regional preferences and established medical practices. In the United States, mg/dL is the standard unit for reporting blood glucose levels. However, most countries around the world, including Canada and European nations, use mmol/L. Both units measure the concentration of glucose in the blood, but they do so using different scales.
Related reading: Blood Sugar Conversion A Simple Guide To Mg Dl Mmol L And Your A1C
Understanding both units is helpful for several reasons:
- Travel: If you travel internationally, you may encounter blood sugar monitors or medical reports using mmol/L.
- Research: Medical research and studies might report results in either unit, requiring you to convert them for your understanding.
- Communication: Interacting with healthcare providers from different regions may involve understanding both measurements.
The Simple Conversion Formula
Converting between mg/dL and mmol/L is straightforward. Here’s the formula:
- mg/dL to mmol/L: Divide the mg/dL value by 18.
- mmol/L to mg/dL: Multiply the mmol/L value by 18.
For example:
- If your blood sugar is 100 mg/dL, the equivalent in mmol/L is 100 / 18 = 5.56 mmol/L.
- If your blood sugar is 7 mmol/L, the equivalent in mg/dL is 7 * 18 = 126 mg/dL.
Blood Sugar Conversion Chart
For quick reference, here’s a conversion chart that shows common blood sugar levels in both mg/dL and mmol/L:
mg/dL | mmol/L |
---|---|
70 | 3.9 |
80 | 4.4 |
90 | 5.0 |
100 | 5.6 |
110 | 6.1 |
120 | 6.7 |
130 | 7.2 |
140 | 7.8 |
150 | 8.3 |
160 | 8.9 |
170 | 9.4 |
180 | 10.0 |
190 | 10.6 |
200 | 11.1 |
Understanding Healthy Blood Sugar Ranges
Regardless of whether you are using mg/dL or mmol/L, understanding what constitutes a healthy blood sugar range is critical. General guidelines for people without diabetes are as follows:
- Fasting Blood Sugar:
- mg/dL: Less than 100 mg/dL
- mmol/L: Less than 5.6 mmol/L
- 2 Hours After Eating:
- mg/dL: Less than 140 mg/dL
- mmol/L: Less than 7.8 mmol/L
For people with diabetes, target ranges might be different and should be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider. Generally, individuals with diabetes aim for:
- Fasting Blood Sugar:
- mg/dL: 80-130 mg/dL
- mmol/L: 4.4-7.2 mmol/L
- 2 Hours After Eating:
- mg/dL: Less than 180 mg/dL
- mmol/L: Less than 10.0 mmol/L
Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels
Numerous factors can affect your blood sugar levels, including:
- Diet: Consuming carbohydrates significantly impacts blood glucose.
- Physical Activity: Exercise can help lower blood sugar.
- Stress: Stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels.
- Medications: Certain medications can affect glucose metabolism.
- Illness: Being sick can disrupt blood sugar control.
- Sleep: Insufficient sleep can impact insulin sensitivity.

Regular monitoring and management of these factors can help maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Related reading: Tired Of Energy Slumps How To Stabilize Your Blood Sugar All Day
Tips for Managing Blood Sugar
Here are some practical tips for managing your blood sugar:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Monitor Regularly: Check your blood sugar as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Follow Medication Regimen: If prescribed medication, take it as directed.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It's important to seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Frequently high or low blood sugar readings.
- Symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision.
- Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as shakiness, sweating, and confusion.
- Changes in your overall health that may affect your blood sugar control.
Conclusion
Understanding blood sugar measurements in both mg/dL and mmol/L is essential for effective diabetes management and overall health monitoring. Using the conversion formula and chart provided in this guide, you can easily translate between the two units and gain a clearer understanding of your glucose levels. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider to establish a personalized plan for managing your blood sugar and maintaining optimal health. By staying informed and proactive, you can effectively manage your blood glucose and improve your quality of life.