Blood Sugar Converter
Convert blood glucose levels between mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and mmol/L (millimoles per liter).
Result
0
Base Unit
Relative Value
*Diagram shows values relative to the selected base unit (mmol/L).
Unit Information
What is Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)?
Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is a unit used to measure the concentration of substances in the blood, including glucose. It expresses the weight of glucose (in milligrams) per deciliter of blood. This unit is commonly used in the United States and some other countries for reporting blood sugar levels.
What is Millimoles per liter (mmol/L)?
Millimoles per liter (mmol/L) is the SI (International System of Units) standard for measuring blood glucose concentration. It expresses the molar concentration of glucose (number of moles of glucose per liter of blood). This unit is widely used in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other parts of the world.
Formulas
mmol/L = mg/dL / 18.016
To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by approximately 18 (more precisely, 18.01559, which is related to the molar mass of glucose).
mg/dL = mmol/L × 18.016
To convert mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply by approximately 18 (more precisely, 18.01559, which is related to the molar mass of glucose).
eAG (mg/dL) ≈ (28.7 × A1c) - 46.7
Formula to estimate average glucose (eAG) from an HbA1c percentage. This is an estimation, not a direct conversion.
Key Reference Points
- Normal fasting blood glucose: 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L).
- Pre-diabetes fasting blood glucose: 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L).
- Diabetes diagnosis fasting blood glucose: ≥126 mg/dL (≥7.0 mmol/L).
- Normal after meals (postprandial, 2 hours): Below 140 mg/dL (<7.8 mmol/L).
- HbA1c target for many diabetics: Below 7% (eAG ~154 mg/dL or 8.6 mmol/L).
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Generally <70 mg/dL (<3.9 mmol/L).
- Severe hypoglycemia: Often <54 mg/dL (<3.0 mmol/L), requires immediate attention.
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar): Often defined as >180 mg/dL (>10.0 mmol/L).
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) risk: Typically occurs with very high levels, often >250 mg/dL (>13.9 mmol/L).
- A 1 mmol/L change is equivalent to an 18 mg/dL change in glucose level.
Did You Know?
The conversion factor of approximately 18.016 is derived from the molar mass of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), which is about 180.156 g/mol. The conversion essentially translates mass concentration (mg/dL) to molar concentration (mmol/L).
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is critical for regulating blood sugar. It allows glucose to enter cells to be used for energy, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.
The HbA1c test measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months by looking at the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells. It's an important tool for long-term diabetes management.
The human brain relies almost exclusively on glucose for its energy needs, consuming about 20% of the body's total glucose-derived energy despite being only 2% of the body's weight.
Glucagon is a hormone that works opposite to insulin. When blood sugar is low, the pancreas releases glucagon, which signals the liver to release stored glucose (glycogen) into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels.
The Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are rapidly digested and cause substantial fluctuations in blood sugar.
During prolonged fasting or on a very low-carbohydrate diet, when glucose is scarce, the body can switch to using fat for energy. The liver produces ketone bodies from fat, which can be used as an alternative fuel by the brain and other tissues.
The 'dawn phenomenon' is a natural early-morning increase in blood sugar (glucose) in people with and without diabetes. It's caused by a surge of hormones like cortisol and growth hormone that the body produces overnight.
CGM devices are wearable sensors that continuously track glucose levels in the interstitial fluid just under the skin. They provide real-time data and trends, helping users manage their glucose levels more proactively.
This refers to the temporary rise in blood glucose that occurs after eating a meal. The magnitude and duration of this spike can vary greatly depending on the type and amount of food consumed, particularly carbohydrates.
Physical activity can increase glucose uptake by the muscles, which can help lower blood sugar levels. This effect can last for several hours after exercise, making it a key component of diabetes management.
Physical or emotional stress can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can cause blood glucose levels to rise as the body prepares for a 'fight or flight' response.
Also known as rebound hyperglycemia, the Somogyi effect is a pattern of high morning blood sugar following an episode of untreated nighttime hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The body overcorrects by releasing hormones that raise glucose levels.
Some people with long-standing diabetes can develop hypoglycemia unawareness, a condition where they no longer feel the typical warning signs of low blood sugar, which can be dangerous. This makes regular monitoring even more critical.
The first portable blood glucose meter for home use was invented in 1970. It was a significant breakthrough, empowering patients to monitor their own glucose levels and manage their diabetes more effectively.
Glucose is a simple sugar with the chemical formula C₆H₁₂O₆. It's classified as a hexose because it contains six carbon atoms. It's the primary source of energy for most living organisms.
Persistently high blood sugar can lead to a process called glycation, where sugar molecules attach to proteins and fats, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These AGEs contribute to many long-term complications of diabetes, such as damage to blood vessels and nerves.
Modern diabetes technology is moving towards 'artificial pancreas' or 'closed-loop' systems. These systems link a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to an insulin pump with a sophisticated algorithm, allowing for automated insulin delivery to keep blood sugar in range with minimal user input.