[Simon]

I'm sure this has come up lots of times but if a "normal" fasting blood glucose is 4 mmol/l to 7 mmol/l, does this refer to plasma or whole blood? I thought it was whole blood and am somewhat shocked to discover that my OneTouch Ultra 2 measures blood plasma so reading about 12% higher than for whole blood.

[mortis505]

Glucose levels in plasma (one of the components of blood) are generally 10%–15% higher than glucose measurements in whole blood (and even more after eating). This is important because home blood glucose meters measure the glucose in whole blood while most lab tests measure the glucose in plasma. Currently, there are many meters on the market that give results as "plasma equivalent," even though they are measuring whole blood glucose. The plasma equivalent is calculated from the whole blood glucose reading using an equation built into the glucose meter. This allows patients to easily compare their glucose measurements in a lab test and at home. It is important for you and your healthcare provider to know whether your meter gives its results as "whole blood equivalent" or "plasma equivalent."

[davef]

Simon,

Thanks for this thread, 5.5 months after DX and I never thought of checking if my meter is giving whole blood or plasma equivalents! Off to check now.

[Simon]

I've just asked a DAFNE educator. She tells me, "DAFNE targets are plasma BG". That's a relief.