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Glucose (24-hour urinary collection)

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

This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period.

Quick summary

["Helps assess how well your body manages blood sugar over time."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
47757-0
Short code
GH 15M p Arg SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
GH 15M p Arg 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 a 24-hour urine glucose test to check for conditions like diabetes, kidney issues, or how your body responds to glucose (e.g., after a meal or during treatment). It can also help detect hidden sugar in urine, which may indicate problems with how your body processes sugar.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours, starting after you wake up and ending just before you wake up the next day. Keep track of the time and store the urine in a refrigerator. Do not miss any urine, including the first or last samples.

What to Expect During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine in a container provided. Your sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.

What the Results Mean

Results are typically reported as the total amount of glucose excreted in urine over 24 hours. Higher than expected levels may signal diabetes, kidney problems, or other metabolic conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your health history.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

None

Frequently asked questions

How is this test used in clinical practice?
A 24-hour urine glucose test helps diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes mellitus (e.g., type 1 or type 2), diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage from diabetes), or conditions affecting glucose metabolism. It can also assess compliance with glucose-lowering treatments or screen for conditions like renal glycosuria (excessive glucose in urine without diabetes).
What does a high or low result indicate?
Elevated levels may indicate uncontrolled diabetes, kidney problems, or conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or hyperinsulinism. Very low levels are less common but could suggest rare metabolic disorders or errors in collection. Your doctor will discuss findings with you based on your symptoms and medical history.
How often is this test repeated?
Your doctor may repeat this test if initial results are unclear, to monitor a condition, or to adjust treatment plans. Frequency depends on your health needs, such as managing diabetes or evaluating kidney function.
  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