Medical Encyclopedia
Non-diabetic, non-pregnant individuals maintain blood glucose within a very narrow range – between 60-100 mg/dl (3.3-6.4 mmol/L) in a morning fasting state.
After eating, a "normal" blood sugar reading is considered up to 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L) 2 hours after eating.
High blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia may be a symptom of diabetes, and low blood sugar may be indicative of hypoglycemia.
Blood glucose (sugar) test meter
Glucose" is a form of sugar and so blood glucose is also often referred to as blood sugar. For the purpose of this definition we will use the term "blood glucose" but either term is generally considered acceptable.
Definition of a blood glucose test meter: A device to measure blood glucose (sugar). Blood glucose (blood sugar) refers to sugar in the form of glucose which can be measured in the blood stream.
A droplet of blood is obtained using a lancing device. The blood is then transferred to a test strip which is inserted or attached to the blood glucose test meter. A reading is then displayed indicated the amount of detectable blood sugar is circulating in the blood stream.
Different things can affect the accuracy of the test results so it is important to read all the instructions that come with your particular test meter kit.
There are many blood glucose meters which can safely be used at home. While some insurance plans may cover the cost of the meter and test strips, a prescription is not required to purchase them.
All persons with the juvenile form of type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to live.
The concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood is measured in :
- milligrams per deciliter
(mg/dL) in the U.S.; or
- millimoles per liter (mmoles/L) in metric.
Since different countries use different units of measurement be sure to understand the different standards.
The conversion factor is approximately 18. Divide the U.S. value in mg/dL by 18 to get the metric value.
For example, in the U.S., a blood sugar reading of 100 mg/dL is about the same as 5.6 mmol/L which was found by simple division:
100 divided by 18 = 5.5555
To convert from metric to U.S. just multiply by 18!