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Glucose in Serum/Plasma (24-Hour Urinary Excretion)

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

This test measures how much glucose (sugar) appears in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body controls blood sugar, especially in conditions like diabetes.

Quick summary

["This test helps track long-term sugar balance and kidney function related to glucose."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
55506-0
Short code
GH 10M p Exc SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
GH 10M p Exc SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, kidney problems, or if you need to monitor how well your body handles glucose over time. It’s also used in certain research or specialized clinical settings to evaluate metabolic health.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight one day and ending the same time the next day. Drink plenty of fluids to help your urine flow, but avoid sugary drinks or medications that might affect results.

How the Test Works

The collected urine is analyzed to determine the total amount of glucose excreted in your urine. This is done using a specialized laboratory method to measure glucose concentration accurately.

What the Results Mean

Higher than expected glucose in urine may indicate poor blood sugar control, kidney issues, or other metabolic conditions. Lower than expected levels might suggest your body absorbs glucose too well or there’s an underlying issue affecting urine production.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

24-Hour Urinary Glucose

Frequently asked questions

What could cause abnormal results?
Abnormally high glucose in urine can be linked to diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), kidney problems, or conditions that affect how your body regulates blood sugar. It may also appear in people with poorly controlled diabetes or certain genetic disorders. Abnormally low levels might suggest rare metabolic disorders or errors in urine collection.
How often should this test be repeated?
This test is typically done once unless your doctor recommends follow-up testing for ongoing management of a condition like diabetes or kidney disease. Results may guide decisions about diet, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Does diet or medication affect this test?
Yes, foods high in sugar or certain medications (like diuretics) can influence urine glucose levels. Your doctor may advise avoiding sugary foods or drinks for a portion of the 24-hour period to get more accurate results.
  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