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24-Hour Urine Glucose Rate (Total Glucose Excretion Rate)

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

This test measures how much glucose your body excretes in urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your kidneys filter glucose and can indicate conditions like diabetes or kidney function.

Quick summary

["This test helps track how much glucose passes into your urine daily, useful for diabetes management and kidney health."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
2351-5
Short code
Glucose 24h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
Glucose 24h Ur-mRate
Category
glucose
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine 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
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Doctors may order a 24-hour urine glucose test to evaluate how your kidneys handle glucose, especially if you have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or signs of diabetes. It can also help monitor kidney function or diagnose conditions like glycosuria (glucose in urine) that may not show up on standard blood tests alone.

How the Test Works

You’ll collect all your urine over a 24-hour period in a special container. The collected sample is then analyzed to measure the total glucose excreted, typically using an immunoassay or enzymatic method to detect glucose levels.

Sample Collection

To prepare, empty your bladder before starting. Collect every drop of urine for the full 24 hours, including at night. Store samples in a cool place and return them to the lab on the same day or refrigerate until testing. Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions to avoid contamination or errors.

What to Expect During Testing

No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine over 24 hours. Results are compared to your body’s typical glucose excretion patterns to identify any abnormalities.

Reference range

Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: urine

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

24-hour urine glucose

Frequently asked questions

A higher-than-expected glucose excretion may suggest diabetes, kidney issues, or other metabolic disorders. Elevated levels could indicate poor kidney function or uncontrolled blood sugar. Low excretion might raise concerns about insulin resistance or other metabolic conditions.
What does a high result mean?
A high result may indicate your body is excreting more glucose than usual in urine, which can happen with diabetes, kidney problems, or certain medications. Your doctor will discuss this with you and may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan.
What does a low result mean?
A low result may suggest your kidneys are effectively filtering glucose, but it could also indicate insulin resistance or other metabolic factors. Your doctor will review your overall health and test results to understand the cause.
The frequency depends on your medical needs. Your doctor may repeat this test if they suspect changes in diabetes management, kidney function, or other conditions affecting glucose metabolism.
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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