Q. 13.52 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Kate's blood volume is $3.9 \mathrm{L}$. After three months of diet and exercise, if her blood glucose is $146\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dL}$, how many grams of glucose are in her blood?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The concentration of glucose in the blood is $5.694 grams$

Step 1: Given data

Kate's blood volume is $3.9 \mathrm{L}$

Blood glucose level was $146\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dL}$

Step 2: Unit conversion

Step 2: Unit conversion

We must convert units before calculating blood glucose levels: 

• milligrams to grams 
• $1$ milligram $= 0.001$ grams (or) ${10}^{-3}$ grams
• deciliter ($dL$) to litre ($L$).
• $1$ liter ($L$) = $10$ deciliter ($dL$) 

Step 3: Solution

The concentration of glucose in the blood is: 

$(3.9 L) x (146 x {10}^{-3} g/dL) x (10 dL/L) = 5.694 grams$