mmol/L to mg/dL Converter

Question 1

Why are blood test units different in Australia vs the US?

Accepted Answer

Australia uses mmol/L (millimoles per litre) for most blood chemistry results. The United States uses mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre). The conversion factor varies by substance based on its molecular weight. For glucose: 1 mmol/L = 18.0 mg/dL. For cholesterol: 1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dL.

Question 2

What is a normal blood glucose in mmol/L?

Accepted Answer

Fasting blood glucose: 3.9–5.5 mmol/L (normal). 5.6–6.9 mmol/L (impaired fasting glucose / pre-diabetes). 7.0 mmol/L or above on two occasions = diabetes. Random blood glucose above 11.1 mmol/L with symptoms = diabetes.

Question 3

What is a normal cholesterol in mmol/L?

Accepted Answer

Total cholesterol: below 5.5 mmol/L (desirable). LDL cholesterol: below 2.0–3.0 mmol/L depending on cardiovascular risk. HDL cholesterol: above 1.0 mmol/L (men), above 1.3 mmol/L (women). Triglycerides: below 1.7 mmol/L (fasting).

mmol/L ↔ mg/dL Converter

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