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Glucose in Plasma (24-Hour Urine Collection)

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

This test measures how much glucose (sugar) appears in your urine over a full day, helping assess how well your body manages blood sugar levels.

Quick summary

["This test helps track long-term sugar control, especially important for diabetes management."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
33096-9
Short code
GA from CRL.Tokyo86
Synonyms
GA from CRL.Tokyo86
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
us-estimated-from-crl-tokyo
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have diabetes or are at risk for it. It helps check if your body is properly handling glucose, which can indicate how well your diabetes treatment is working or if there are underlying issues like kidney problems.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period. Typically, you’ll start by emptying your bladder at the beginning of the day and then collect every urine void until the next morning. Store the sample in a refrigerator and bring the entire 24-hour collection to the lab.

What Happens During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond the urine collection. The lab will analyze the urine sample for glucose content using standard methods, such as enzymatic tests, to determine the total amount excreted over the day.

Possible Results and Interpretation

Results are typically reported as the total amount of glucose excreted in grams or milligrams over 24 hours. Higher than expected amounts may suggest poor glucose control, while normal results indicate effective management of blood sugar.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Glucose Profile (24-hour)

Frequently asked questions

What does a high urine glucose level mean?
A high urine glucose level may indicate poor control of diabetes, kidney issues, or conditions like gestational diabetes. It can also signal that your body isn’t responding well to medications or lifestyle changes designed to manage blood sugar.
What does a normal urine glucose level mean?
A normal urine glucose level suggests your body is handling blood sugar effectively, which is important for preventing long-term complications like nerve damage or heart disease. However, consistent normal results should be confirmed with other tests to ensure ongoing health.
Can diet or exercise affect this test?
Yes, diet and exercise can influence urine glucose levels. Eating foods high in sugar or carbohydrates may temporarily increase glucose in urine, while physical activity can sometimes lower it. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet and activity during the test period.
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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