Decoding Your Blood Sugar Test: Understanding mg/dL vs. mmol/L

Understanding your blood sugar levels is crucial for managing your health, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. However, blood sugar readings can be displayed in two different units: mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and mmol/L (millimoles per liter). This article breaks down the differences between these units and provides the information you need to accurately interpret your blood sugar test results.

Why Two Different Units?

The reason for the two different units lies in international standardization and variations in measurement preferences. mg/dL is commonly used in the United States, while mmol/L is the standard unit in many other countries, including Canada and most of Europe. It's akin to measuring distance in miles versus kilometers. Both measure the same thing – your blood glucose level – but in different ways. Understanding the conversion between these units is vital if you travel internationally or consult with healthcare providers from different regions.

Understanding mg/dL (Milligrams per Deciliter)

mg/dL expresses the weight of glucose (in milligrams) in a specific volume of blood (a deciliter, which is equal to 100 milliliters). For example, a reading of 100 mg/dL means there are 100 milligrams of glucose in every deciliter of your blood.

• Common Usage: Predominantly used in the United States.
• Interpretation: Knowing the normal ranges 191 fasting blood sugar for mg/dL is key to understanding your results.

Understanding mmol/L (Millimoles per Liter)

mmol/L expresses the molar concentration of glucose (in millimoles) in a liter of blood. It measures the number of glucose molecules present in a liter of blood rather than their weight.

• Common Usage: Widely used in Canada, Europe, and many other parts of the world.
• Interpretation: Understanding normal mmol/L ranges is critical for accurate self-monitoring, especially if you manage diabetes.

Key Differences Summarized

Feature	mg/dL	mmol/L
Measurement	Weight of glucose in a given volume	Molar concentration of glucose
Unit Explanation	Milligrams per deciliter	Millimoles per liter
Geographic Usage	Primarily United States	Canada, Europe, and many other regions

Converting Between mg/dL and mmol/L

The good news is that converting between mg/dL and mmol/L is relatively straightforward:

• To convert mg/dL to mmol/L: Divide the mg/dL value by 18.
  • Formula: mmol/L = mg/dL / 18
• To convert mmol/L to mg/dL: Multiply the mmol/L value by 18.
  • Formula: mg/dL = mmol/L x 18

Example:

• A blood sugar reading of 126 mg/dL is equivalent to 7 mmol/L (126 / 18 = 7).
• A blood sugar reading of 5 mmol/L is equivalent to 90 mg/dL (5 x 18 = 90).

Normal Blood Sugar Ranges: Understanding the Numbers

It's crucial to understand the target blood sugar levels recommended by your doctor. However, here's a general guide for both mg/dL and mmol/L, typically for individuals without diabetes:

Category	mg/dL (Fasting)	mmol/L (Fasting)	mg/dL (2 hours after eating)	mmol/L (2 hours after eating)
Normal	Less than 100	Less than 5.6	Less than 140	Less than 7.8
Prediabetes	100 to 125	5.6 to 6.9	140 to 199	7.8 to 11.0
Diabetes	126 or higher	7.0 or higher	200 or higher	11.1 or higher

Important Notes:

• Individual targets may vary: Your doctor will provide specific target ranges based on your individual health needs and conditions.
• Fasting blood sugar: This is measured after at least eight hours of fasting (no food or sugary drinks).
• 2-hour postprandial: This is measured two random blood sugar test levels hours after starting a meal.

Common Scenarios and Interpretation

Here are a few common scenarios to help you understand how to interpret your blood sugar test results:

• Scenario 1: Traveling internationally: You usually monitor your blood sugar in mg/dL. You travel to Europe and need to use a new glucometer that displays results in mmol/L. Use the conversion formula (mg/dL / 18 = mmol/L) to convert your usual target range into mmol/L, or simply consult a conversion chart.
• Scenario 2: Consulting with a different doctor: You typically see a doctor in the US who uses mg/dL. You have blood sugar drop feeling a consultation with a specialist what makes your blood sugar high in Canada who uses mmol/L. Be prepared to either convert your previous readings or ask the specialist to interpret them in mg/dL if you're more comfortable with that unit.
• Scenario 3: Using a new glucometer: Always double-check the unit of measurement displayed on your glucometer. Ensure that you understand whether it’s showing mg/dL or mmol/L to avoid misinterpreting the readings.

Tips for Managing Blood Sugar

While understanding the units is essential, proactively managing your blood sugar is even more critical. Here are some helpful tips:

• Follow a healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods. Consult a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
• Engage in regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
• Monitor your blood sugar regularly: Follow your doctor's recommendations for blood sugar monitoring, especially if you have diabetes.
• Take medication as prescribed: If you have diabetes, it is crucial to adhere to your medication schedule as prescribed by your doctor.
• Manage stress: Stress can significantly impact blood sugar levels. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can disrupt hormone balance and affect blood sugar control.

The Importance of Consulting Your Doctor

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It's vital to discuss your blood sugar test results and blood sugar management plan with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs and medical history.

Understanding mg/dL vs. mmol/L is just one piece of the puzzle. By working closely with your doctor and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can effectively manage your blood sugar levels and improve your overall well-being. Properly understanding and tracking your blood glucose will allow you to proactively engage in the long-term maintenance of your personal health.

Are your blood sugar levels out of control? Glucose is incredibly important as a fuel source for our bodies, so making sure the glucose levels in your blood stay balanced is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. In this video, Mike Murphy, outlines what impacts your blood sugar levels as well as how to manage them best. SUBSCRIBE HERE: CNM WEBSITE: OUR COURSES: NUTRITION: HERBAL MEDICINE: ACUPUNCTURE: NATUROPATHY: HOMEOPATHY: NATURAL CHEF: VEGAN NATURAL CHEF: HEALTH COACH COURSE: FREE HERBAL LECTURE: Disclaimer: This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between The College of Naturopathic Medicine and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a qualified physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.