Convert blood sugar/glucose from mmol/L (UK standard) to mg/dL (US standard) and vice versa using our blood sugar converter.
To check your blood sugar level ranges use the blood sugar checker.
Whats the difference between mmol/L and mg/dL?
Both sets of units are used to measure blood sugar levels and both give a measurement of the concentration of glucose in the blood, albeit in slightly different ways.
mmol/L gives the molarity, which is the number of molecules of a substance within a specified volumen, in this case within 1 litre. mg/dL gives the concentration by the ratio of weight to volumen, in this case milligrams per decilitre.
mmol/L is the most common measurement used in the UK with mg/dL predominantly used in the USA and continental Europe.
- mmol/L or Millimoles Per Litre: – International standard unit for measuring the concentration of glucose in the blood – also known as millimolar (mM). This unit is used in the UK.
- mg/dL: Milligrams per 100 millilitres: Unit for measuring concentration of glucose in the blood in the USA – milligrams per decilitre.
Blood glucose typically varies from 4 mmol/L to 6 mmol/L for people without diabetes.
Blood sugar (also called blood glucose) needs to be tightly controlled in the human body to minimise the risk of complications developing.
- Formula to calculate mmol/l from mg/dl: mmol/l = mg/dl / 18
- Formula to calculate mg/dl from mmol/l: mg/dl = 18 × mmol/l
Can I change the units given by my blood glucose meter?
This can depend on which blood glucose meter you have. Some meters allow you to change the units from mg/dL to mmol/L and vice versa whether some meters are only set up to display one set of units.
Check the meter’s manual for whether it is possible to change the units. If you don’t have or cannot find the manual, contact the manufacturer.
Why are blood sugar levels important?
Measuring blood sugar levels and understanding what your glucose levels should be is an essential part of diabetes treatment for many people with diabetes.
Blood sugar level refers to the total amount of glucose circulating in the blood. In different parts of the world, different units for measuring blood glucose are standard.
