1. What is Glucose Conversion?

Glucose conversion between mmol/L (millimoles per liter) and mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) is essential for interpreting blood glucose levels in different measurement systems used worldwide.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( mmol/L \) — Glucose level in millimoles per liter
• \( mg/dL \) — Glucose level in milligrams per deciliter
• \( 18 \) — Conversion factor for glucose

Explanation: The molecular weight of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is 180 g/mol, and the conversion factor of 18 accounts for the difference between mmol/L and mg/dL units.

3. Importance of Glucose Conversion

Details: Accurate glucose conversion is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients to interpret blood glucose readings correctly, especially when comparing results from different countries or medical devices that use different measurement units.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter glucose level in mmol/L. The calculator will automatically convert it to mg/dL using the standard conversion factor of 18.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 18?
A: The conversion factor 18 comes from the molecular weight of glucose (180 g/mol) divided by 10 to convert between mmol/L and mg/dL units.

Q2: Which countries use mmol/L vs mg/dL?
A: Most countries use mmol/L (including UK, Canada, Australia), while the US uses mg/dL. It's important to know which unit your glucose meter displays.

Q3: Are there different conversion factors for other substances?
A: Yes, different substances have different molecular weights, so each requires its own specific conversion factor between mmol/L and mg/dL.

Q4: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact based on glucose's molecular weight. However, always verify the units your device uses to ensure proper interpretation.

Q5: Can I convert mg/dL back to mmol/L?
A: Yes, to convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by 18 (mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 18).