What are mg/dl and mmol/l? How to convert? Glucose? Cholesterol?

There are two main methods of describing concentrations: by weight, and by molecular count. Weights are in grams, molecular counts in moles.

Many meters now have a switch that allows you to change between units. Sometimes it’s a physical switch, and sometimes it’s an option that you can set.

To convert mmol/l of glucose to mg/dl, multiply by 18.

To convert mg/dl of glucose to mmol/l, divide by 18 or multiply by 0.055.

These factors are specific for glucose, because they depend on the mass of one molecule (the molecular weight). The conversion factors are different for other substances. Read this.

mmol/l     mg/dl     interpretation
   ——     —–     ————–
     2.0        35           extremely low, danger of unconciousness
     3.0        55           low, marginal insulin reaction
     4.0        75           slightly low, first symptoms of lethargy etc.
     5.5       100          mecca
    5 - 6     90-110    normal preprandial in nondiabetics
     8.0       150          normal postprandial in nondiabetics
    10.0       180        maximum postprandial in nondiabetics
    11.0       200     
    15.0       270         a little high to very high depending on patient
    16.5       300
    20.0       360        getting up there
    22         400         max mg/dl for some meters and strips
    33         600         high danger of severe electrolyte imbalance

Preprandial  = before meal
Postprandial = after meal

More conversions:

To convert mmol/l of HDL or LDL cholesterol to mg/dl, multiply by 39.
To convert mg/dl of HDL or LDL cholesterol to mmol/l, divide by 39.

To convert mmol/l of triglycerides to mg/dl, multiply by 89.
To convert mg/dl of triglycerides to mmol/l, divide by 89.

To convert umol (micromoles) /l of creatinine to mg/dl, divide by 88.
To convert mg/dl of creatinine to umol/l, multiply by 88.

Above information borrowed and shared with respect.