Skip to content

Glucose, 24-Hour Urinary Collection (Total)

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

This test measures the total amount of glucose found in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how much sugar your body is excreting, which can be important for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like diabetes.

Quick summary

["A 24-hour urine glucose test helps track how well your body manages blood sugar levels over time."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
32321-2
Short code
Glucose 4h p 75 g Glc PO SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
Glucose 4h p 75 g Glc PO SerPl-sCnc
Category
glucose
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
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 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss. It can also be used to monitor diabetes management, detect kidney issues, or check for conditions like gestational diabetes.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight one day and ending the same time the next day. Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys pass urine, but avoid sugary drinks or foods that might affect results. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully.

During the Test

You’ll provide a single urine sample at the end of the 24-hour period. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine as directed.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal results may indicate diabetes, kidney problems, or other metabolic conditions. Lower-than-normal results could suggest dehydration or certain hormonal imbalances. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

Reference range

Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

Elevated urinary glucose levels can signal uncontrolled diabetes, where the body fails to regulate blood sugar properly. Persistently high levels may also indicate kidney issues or other metabolic disorders. This test helps doctors diagnose diabetes, assess treatment effectiveness, or investigate unexplained symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I collect urine for this test?
You’ll need to collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period, typically from midnight to midnight. Some providers may adjust timing based on your schedule—always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions precisely.
Can I eat or drink anything before or during the test?
Avoid sugary foods, drinks, or medications that contain glucose or artificial sweeteners. Stick to plain water unless instructed otherwise. Some medications (like diuretics) may also affect results, so discuss any medications with your provider.
What if I miss any urine during the collection period?
If you miss urine, you’ll need to restart the collection from the beginning. Missing even a small amount can skew results, so it’s important to stay consistent with your collection schedule.
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 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.

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