Glucose, 24-Hour Urinary Excretion
This test measures how much glucose (sugar) appears in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body is handling glucose, especially if you have diabetes or suspect it.
["This test helps track how your body manages blood sugar over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49948-3
- Short code
- GH 12 PM SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 12 PM SerPl-aCnc
- 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 they suspect you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, or if you have other conditions like kidney disease or frequent urinary tract infections. It can also help monitor how well your diabetes treatment is working or check for hidden glucose in your urine that might not show up in a regular blood test.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after you urinate in the morning of Day 1. Store the urine in a clean container and refrigerate it until you return it to the lab. Make sure to note the exact times you urinate to ensure accurate measurement.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting your urine sample as instructed. The lab will analyze the urine for glucose content, which is then reported as the total amount excreted over 24 hours.
What the Results Mean
Results are not provided with specific reference ranges since they depend on your individual health and how your body processes glucose. Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High urinary glucose levels may indicate diabetes, poor kidney function, or other metabolic issues. Low levels might suggest your body is efficiently managing glucose, but this can also be normal if you have low dietary sugar intake. Your doctor will discuss the results with you to determine if further action is needed, such as adjusting medications or lifestyle changes.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Glucose
Frequently asked questions
How is this test different from a regular blood glucose test?
Can I eat or drink normally before this test?
What if I miss collecting urine at certain times?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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