Health Encyclopedia

Glucose test - urine

Definition

The glucose urine test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in a urine sample. The presence of glucose in the urine is called glucosuria.

Alternative Names

Urine sugar test; Urine glucose test; Glucosuria test

How the test is performed

A urine sample is needed. For information on collecting a urine sample, see clean catch urine specimen.

Usually, the health care provider checks for glucose in the urine sample using a dipstick made with a color-sensitive pad. The pad contains chemicals that react with glucose. The color that the dipstick changes tells the provider how much glucose is in your urine.

How to prepare for the test

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking drugs that may affect the results of the test.

Drugs that may increase urine glucose measurements include:

Aminosalicylic acid
Cephalosporins
Chloral hydrate
Chloramphenicol
Dextrothyroxine
Diazoxide
Diuretics (loop and thiazides)
Estrogens
Ifosfamide
Isoniazid
Levodopa
Lithium
Nafcillin
Nalidixic acid
Nicotinic acid (large doses)

Other drugs also can cause false negative or false positive results, depending on the type of test strip used. Talk to your doctor.

How the test will feel

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed

This test is most commonly used to screen for possible diabetes.

Normal Values

Glucose is not usually found in urine. If it is, further testing is needed.

What abnormal results mean

Greater than normal levels of glucose may be a sign of:

Diabetes mellitus
Abnormal glucose release from the kidneys into the urine (renal glycosuria)

Note: Results may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Review Date:2/7/2008
Reviewed By:Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Transplantation, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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