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Glucose, 24-Hour Urinary Collection (Total)

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

This test measures the total amount of glucose (sugar) excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body is handling glucose metabolism, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions affecting blood sugar.

Quick summary

["This test helps track how your body processes sugar and can help manage diabetes or related conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
6758-7
Short code
Glucose 5h p 75 g Glc PO Ur Ql Strip
Synonyms
Glucose 5h p 75 g Glc PO 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 Is Done

Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect you have diabetes, prediabetes, or another condition that affects how your body uses glucose. It can also be used to monitor long-term glucose control, especially in people with chronic kidney disease or those taking certain medications that affect blood sugar levels. Sometimes, it’s part of a broader evaluation for metabolic disorders.

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 in the morning and ending the next morning. Drink plenty of fluids to help your urine flow freely. Avoid adding any glucose supplements or special diets unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

What Happens During the Test

You’ll provide a single urine sample at the end of the 24-hour period. The lab will analyze the total glucose content in your urine. No special preparation is needed beyond collecting the urine sample correctly.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal results may indicate poor glucose control, kidney issues, or conditions like diabetes. Lower-than-normal results might suggest your body is absorbing glucose too well or you’re not producing enough glucose. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

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.

This test is particularly useful for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 diabetes, where urinary glucose excretion can be elevated. It can also help detect kidney problems, such as diabetic nephropathy, where glucose might appear in urine due to impaired filtering. In some cases, it may be used to evaluate metabolic disorders or assess the effectiveness of treatments for blood sugar management.

Short name

24-Hour Urine Glucose

Frequently asked questions

What causes abnormal glucose in urine?
Glucose appearing in urine (glycosuria) can occur due to diabetes, where the body can’t properly regulate blood sugar levels. It may also happen with kidney problems, such as diabetic nephropathy, where the kidneys can’t filter glucose back into the blood. Other conditions, like pregnancy, certain infections, or medications, can sometimes lead to temporary glucose excretion in urine.
How is this test different from a standard blood glucose test?
Unlike a standard blood glucose test, which measures glucose levels at a single point in time, this test measures the total amount of glucose excreted in urine over 24 hours. It provides a broader picture of how your body handles glucose over a full day, which can be useful for long-term monitoring of conditions like diabetes.
Can I eat or drink normally before this test?
Yes, you can eat and drink normally during the 24-hour collection period, unless your doctor has specific instructions. Drink plenty of fluids to help your urine flow freely, but avoid adding glucose supplements or special diets unless directed by your healthcare provider.
  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