Why measure Glucose in Urine?

  1. Normal Levels of Glucose in Urine
    1. Healthy individuals typically have no detectable glucose in urine, or levels are so low they are undetectable by routine testing.
  2. Elevated Glucose in Urine (Glucosuria)
    1. Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar levels overwhelm the kidneys' ability to reabsorb glucose, resulting in glucose spillage into the urine.
    2. Stress or Hormonal Changes: Temporary glucosuria can occur during physical stress, illness, or hormonal surges (e.g., in pregnancy or with corticosteroid use).
    3. Kidney Disorders (Renal Glucosuria): In rare cases, glucose appears in urine despite normal blood sugar levels due to a defect in kidney tubules, impairing glucose reabsorption.
  3. Transient Causes of Glucosuria
    1. High carbohydrate intake shortly before testing.
    2. Stressful situations, infections, or surgeries.
    3. Pregnancy-related changes in glucose metabolism.

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Why Glucose Testing in Urine Matters