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Glucose test - urine

Definition

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

See also:

• Glucose test - blood
• Glucose test - CSF
• Home glucose monitoring

Alternative Names

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 specific chemicals that react with glucose. The resulting color tells the provider how much glucose is in your urine.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with 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)

This list is not all inclusive. Additional drugs may result in false negative or false positive results, depending on the specific 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 Results

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

What Abnormal Results Mean

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

• Diabetes mellitus
• Renal glycosuria, a rare condition involving the kidney structures in which glucose abnormally leaves the body through the urine

Risks

There are no risks.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.