Glucose, 24-Hour Urinary Total
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 in conditions like diabetes.
["Helps track glucose control and detect hidden glucose loss in urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26550-4
- Short code
- Glucose 4h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Glucose 4h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- 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
- Method
- test-strip
- 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 Matters for Diabetes Management
For people with diabetes, glucose in urine can indicate poor blood sugar control or kidney issues. This test provides a full picture of how much glucose your body is processing over time, which isn’t visible in a single blood glucose check.
How the Test Works
Your doctor will collect a 24-hour urine sample, typically starting after you urinate in the morning. You’ll collect all urine for the next 24 hours, storing it in a refrigerator. The sample is then tested to measure total glucose content.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may need to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect results. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Higher than expected glucose in urine may signal diabetes, kidney problems, or other metabolic conditions. Lower levels might indicate normal glucose handling or conditions like severe dehydration.
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.
Glucose in urine can sometimes appear even when blood glucose levels are normal, especially in early diabetes or kidney dysfunction. This test helps identify persistent glucose loss, which can lead to complications like nerve damage or kidney disease if untreated. It’s particularly useful for monitoring long-term glucose control in diabetes.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Glucose
Frequently asked questions
Why do some people with diabetes have glucose in their urine when their blood sugar is not high?
Does this test replace regular blood sugar monitoring?
Can diet or medications affect this test result?
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