The Definitive Blood Sugar Levels Chart: mg/dL & mmol/L Explained Related reading: Fasting Blood Sugar Test Preparation Procedure And What Results...

The Definitive Blood Sugar Levels Chart: mg/dL & mmol/L Explained

Understanding your blood sugar levels is critical for managing diabetes, pre-diabetes, or simply maintaining good health. This article provides a comprehensive blood sugar levels chart, explaining what these numbers mean in both mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and mmol/L (millimoles per liter), and outlining how to interpret them for better health management.

Why Monitor Blood Sugar Levels?

Monitoring your blood glucose allows you to:

Understand how food, activity, and medications affect your blood sugar.
Identify patterns and trends in your blood sugar levels.
Make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication adjustments with your healthcare provider.
Reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Blood Sugar Levels Chart: Target Ranges

Below is a detailed chart outlining target blood sugar levels for people with and without diabetes. Important note: these are general guidelines. Your individual target ranges may vary based on age, overall health, and specific treatment plan. Always consult with your doctor or certified diabetes educator for personalized recommendations.

Category	mg/dL (Fasting)	mmol/L (Fasting)	mg/dL (2-hr post meal)	mmol/L (2-hr post meal)	A1C
Normal (No Diabetes)	Less than 100	Less than 5.6	Less than 140	Less than 7.8	Less than 5.7%
Pre-diabetes	100-125	5.6-6.9	140-199	7.8-11.0	5.7-6.4%
Diabetes	126 or higher	7.0 or higher	200 or higher	11.1 or higher	6.5% or higher

Key:

Fasting Blood Sugar: Blood sugar measured after at least 8 hours of fasting (no food or drink except water).
2-hour Post-meal Blood Sugar: Blood sugar measured 2 hours after the start of a meal.
A1C: Also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin, it measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. It is usually expressed as a percentage.

Understanding mg/dL vs. mmol/L

mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) is the standard unit for measuring blood glucose in the United States, Japan, and several other countries.

mmol/L (millimoles per liter) is the standard unit used in most of the rest of the world, including Canada, Europe, and Australia.

The two units measure the same thing – blood sugar concentration – just using different scales. You can convert between them using the following formula:

mg/dL = mmol/L x 18
mmol/L = mg/dL / 18

For instance, a blood sugar level of 100 mg/dL is equivalent to 5.6 mmol/L.

What to Do If Your Blood Sugar is Too High (Hyperglycemia)

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can occur for various reasons, including:

Eating too many carbohydrates.
Lack of physical activity.
Illness or infection.
Stress.
Insufficient insulin or diabetes medication.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia may include:

Increased thirst.
Frequent urination.
Blurred vision.
Fatigue.
Headaches.

If you experience hyperglycemia, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment. Steps you can take include:

Check your blood glucose more frequently.
Drink plenty of water.
Engage in light exercise (if approved by your doctor).
Adjust your medication or insulin dosage as prescribed by your doctor.

Untreated severe hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), requiring immediate medical attention.

What to Do If Your Blood Sugar is Too Low (Hypoglycemia)

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur for various reasons, including:

Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication.
Skipping meals.
Excessive exercise.
Alcohol consumption.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include:

Shakiness.
Sweating.
Dizziness.
Confusion.
Irritability.
Rapid heartbeat.

If you experience hypoglycemia:

Check your blood glucose immediately.
If your blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), consume 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular (non-diet) soda.
Wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood sugar.
If your blood sugar is still low, repeat steps 2 and 3.
Once your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), eat a meal or snack to prevent it from dropping again.

Severe hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, or coma, requiring emergency medical assistance.

Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels

Many factors can influence your blood sugar levels, including:

Food: The type and amount of carbohydrates you eat have a significant impact on your blood glucose.
Exercise: Physical activity can lower blood sugar, but it can also raise it depending on the intensity and duration.
Medications: Insulin and other diabetes medications directly affect blood sugar levels. Certain other medications, like steroids, can also impact your blood sugar.
Stress: Stress hormones can raise blood glucose.
Illness: Infections and illnesses can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate.
Sleep: Lack of sleep can affect insulin sensitivity and raise blood sugar.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during menstruation or pregnancy, can impact blood glucose.
Alcohol: Alcohol can initially lower blood sugar, but it can also lead to delayed hypoglycemia, especially if consumed on an empty stomach.

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar Levels

There are several methods for monitoring your blood sugar levels:

Blood Glucose Meter: A handheld device that measures your blood glucose from a small drop of blood obtained by pricking your finger.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): A device that continuously tracks your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night, providing real-time data.
A1C Test: A blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.

The best method for monitoring your blood sugar will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the most appropriate option.

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial for managing your health, especially if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes. During these appointments, your doctor will:

Review your blood sugar levels and identify any areas of concern.
Adjust your medication or insulin dosage as needed.
Monitor for complications associated with high or low blood sugar.
Provide education and support to help you manage your diabetes effectively.

Conclusion

Understanding your blood sugar levels, in both mg/dL and mmol/L, is a crucial step towards managing your health and preventing complications related to diabetes. Use this blood sugar levels chart as a starting point, but always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment. Consistent monitoring, combined with informed lifestyle choices, can help you maintain healthy blood glucose and improve your overall well-being. Remember, effective management requires a proactive approach, so take charge of your health today!