Why do different countries use different units?
US adopted mg/dL historically; most other countries use SI units (mmol/L).
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Blood glucose is measured in mg/dL (US) or mmol/L (international). Both describe the same measurement using different scales based on glucose's molecular weight.
Conversion uses a fixed ratio: one mmol/L = 18 mg/dL. Multiply mmol/L by 18 for mg/dL, or divide mg/dL by 18 for mmol/L.
mg/dL to mmol/L: ÷ 18. mmol/L to mg/dL: × 18. Example: 100 mg/dL ÷ 18 = 5.6 mmol/L.
US adopted mg/dL historically; most other countries use SI units (mmol/L).
18 is sufficient for practical use with negligible 0.1% error.
Fasting: 72-108 mg/dL (4.0-6.0 mmol/L). Diabetes: ≥126 mg/dL (≥7.0 mmol/L).