1. What Is Blood Glucose Unit Conversion?

Blood glucose concentration can be measured in two different units: milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and millimoles per liter (mmol/L). This calculator converts between these two commonly used units in clinical practice.

2. How Does The Conversion Work?

The conversion formula for blood glucose is:

Where:

• \( mg/dL \) — Milligrams per deciliter (common in US)
• \( mmol/L \) — Millimoles per liter (common internationally)
• \( 18 \) — Molecular weight conversion factor for glucose (180 g/mol ÷ 10)

Explanation: The conversion factor 18 comes from glucose's molecular weight (180 g/mol) divided by 10 to account for the deciliter to liter conversion.

3. Importance Of Unit Conversion

Details: Understanding both measurement systems is crucial for healthcare professionals working internationally, interpreting research from different regions, and ensuring accurate medication dosing and treatment decisions.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter blood glucose value in mg/dL. The calculator will automatically convert it to mmol/L. Values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 18?
A: The factor 18 comes from glucose's molecular weight (180 g/mol) divided by 10 to convert between deciliters and liters.

Q2: Which countries use which units?
A: mg/dL is primarily used in the United States, while mmol/L is used in most other countries including Canada, UK, Australia, and European nations.

Q3: What are normal blood glucose ranges?
A: Fasting: 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L); 2 hours postprandial: <140 mg/dL (<7.8 mmol/L).

Q4: Does this conversion work for other substances?
A: No, this specific conversion factor (18) is only for glucose. Other substances have different molecular weights and require different conversion factors.

Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact. However, clinical interpretation should consider measurement variability and individual patient factors.