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24-Hour Urine Glucose Rate (Rate of Excretion)

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

This test measures how much glucose your body excretes in urine over a 24-hour period, helping assess kidney function and glucose metabolism.

Quick summary

["Assesses kidney handling of glucose and long-term blood sugar control."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
55860-1
Short code
Glucose 24h Stl-mRate
Synonyms
Glucose 24h Stl-mRate
Category
glucose
Sample
stool
Container
Clean container
Units
N/A
Ref low
70
Ref high
100
Critical range
50 N/A – 400 N/A
Fasting
true
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82947
SNOMED
260395008
Specimen volume
5 g
Stability
Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Matters

Your kidneys normally filter glucose from your blood. If your body produces too much glucose (e.g., from diabetes), your kidneys may struggle to reabsorb it all, leading to glucose appearing in urine. This test helps doctors check if your kidneys are working properly to manage glucose and detect early signs of kidney issues related to diabetes or other conditions.

How the Test Works

A 24-hour urine collection is taken to measure the total amount of glucose excreted. The test does not directly measure blood glucose but evaluates how much is lost in urine, reflecting kidney function and metabolic balance.

Sample Collection

You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, starting and ending with a voided urine sample. Store samples at cool temperatures and return them to your healthcare provider on time to ensure accurate results.

What to Expect

The test involves a simple urine collection process. Your provider may provide specific instructions to ensure proper timing and accuracy. Bloodwork or other tests may be done separately to support interpretation.

Reference range

Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: stool

Fasting for 8-12 hours required. Water is permitted. Avoid chewing gum and smoking before the test.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Glucose Rate

Frequently asked questions

High urine glucose rates may indicate diabetes, kidney disease, or other metabolic disorders. Low rates could suggest conditions like severe dehydration, liver disease, or malabsorption syndromes. Results help guide treatment plans for managing blood sugar and kidney health.
This test is often used alongside blood glucose monitoring to assess kidney function and overall metabolic health, especially in patients with diabetes or suspected kidney issues.
How long does the 24-hour urine collection take?
The collection period itself lasts 24 hours, but your provider may ask you to prepare by timing your first urine void and collecting all subsequent urine until the next morning’s void. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully for accuracy.
Can I eat or drink normally during the urine collection?
Yes, you can eat and drink as usual unless your provider specifies otherwise. This test measures natural glucose excretion, so dietary restrictions are typically unnecessary unless related to kidney function (e.g., low-sodium diets for kidney disease).
  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