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Glucose (24-hour urinary excretion rate)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures how much glucose your body excretes in urine over a 24-hour period, often used to assess how well your kidneys filter glucose.

Quick summary

["This test helps evaluate kidney function and glucose metabolism in urine."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
74469-8
Short code
G6PD/PK Bld-Rto
Synonyms
G6PD/PK Bld-Rto
Category
glucose
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
true
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or abnormal glucose metabolism. It can also help monitor how well your body handles glucose over time.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll typically collect a 24-hour urine sample by collecting all urine for a full day, usually starting and ending at the same time. Drink plenty of water but avoid sugary drinks or medications that could affect results.

What Happens During the Test

The collected urine is sent to a lab for analysis. The lab measures the total glucose content in the urine over the 24-hour period using specialized methods like enzymatic techniques.

What the Results Mean

Results are often expressed as a rate (e.g., milligrams per day) and compared to general reference ranges for healthy individuals. High levels may indicate diabetes or kidney issues, while low levels may suggest malabsorption or other metabolic conditions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

What does a high urinary glucose rate mean?
A high urinary glucose rate may suggest your body is excreting more glucose than usual, which can be linked to diabetes, kidney problems, or other metabolic conditions. Your doctor will discuss this with you during your follow-up.
How is this test different from a standard blood glucose test?
Unlike blood glucose tests, which measure glucose levels at a single point in time, this test measures the total amount of glucose excreted in urine over a full day, giving a broader picture of how your body handles glucose.
Can I take medications before this test?
Some medications or foods (like sugary drinks) can affect results. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on what to avoid before collecting your urine sample.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy