Measuring Blood Glucose Level (BGL)

Nurses and other healthcare professionals routinely perform blood glucose level (BGL) measurement on clients with diabetes and non-diabetic clients to gather baseline data. The BGL reading also assists in determining the effectiveness of interventions implemented to manage unstable BGLs.

Normal BGL readings range for a non-diabetic client is 3.5–7.8 mmol/L, and for a diabetic client ideally between 4–8 mmol/L and less than 10 mmol/L two hours after a meal. Ketones are checked when a BGL is more than 15 mmol/L.

Equipment for measuring BGLs may vary and users should follow manufacturer’s instructions for the glucometer they are using.