The quantity of sugar in the blood. We measure the sugar mass or milligrams in a set volume of blood, specifically 1 deciliter (mg/dL). The other unit of measurement goes with number of molecules or millimoles in a liter (mmol/L). A rough conversion divides mg/dL by 18 or multiples mmol/L by 18, but for a more exact conversion check out the converter below;

Measuring this is considered an invasive technique since we need to get some blood out of the patient. Unless the patient has a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), we use a device called a glucometer.

I am sorry to say that I am still in the artistic process of writing about squeezing blood out of patients. Please be patient while we create an outline for getting a blood glucose level.

Generally, we are checking a glucose level if the patient has an altered mental status to check if there is a diabetic emergency. We also check if the patient is a known diabetic to be aware of their sugar level. We do not have to stab everyone. Noninvasive smart watch glucometers are not considered an accurate method for measuring sugar levels.