24-Hour Urine Glucose Measurement
This test measures the total amount of glucose excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body is managing glucose levels, especially if you have diabetes or suspect it.
["This test helps track how your body handles sugar over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32174-5
- Short code
- Glucose 24h Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Glucose 24h Ur Ql
- 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
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have diabetes, high blood sugar, or symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss. It can also be used to monitor long-term glucose control in people with diabetes.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after you wake up the morning of the test. Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys pass glucose if present. Store the urine in a refrigerator or cool container until the test is done.
How the Test Works
The collected urine is analyzed to determine the total glucose content. This is often done using an enzymatic method, which measures glucose concentration in the urine sample.
What the Results Mean
Higher than expected glucose levels in urine may indicate poor glucose control, diabetes, or other metabolic issues. Lower levels may suggest normal glucose metabolism or conditions like kidney problems that affect urine glucose detection.
Reference range
Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A
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.
A 24-hour urine glucose test provides a more accurate picture of your body’s glucose handling over time compared to single blood or urine spot tests. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing or managing diabetes, especially in cases where blood sugar levels fluctuate widely. Abnormal results may prompt further evaluation for conditions like diabetic nephropathy or other metabolic disorders.
Short name
24-hour urine glucose
Frequently asked questions
What does a high urine glucose level mean?
How is this test different from a blood glucose test?
Can I drink fluids during the test?
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