OVERVIEW
Glucose is the primary energy source for the cells of the body, brain, and nervous system. A constant
level of glucose must be maintained in the blood. Fruits, vegetables, and other dietary substances are
broken down into glucose during digestion, they are absorbed by the small intestine and circulated
throughout the body. Using glucose for energy production depends on insulin.
INSULIN: A hormone produced by the pancreas, that facilitates the transport of glucose into the body’s
cells and directs the liver to store glycogen for short term storage and triglycerides in fat cells.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURES?
In diabetes blood, sugar levels are consistently high, over time high glucose levels can damage the body
and can lead to many other problems. This test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in the urine.
The presence of glucose in the urine is known as glucosuria or glycosuria.
A urine glucose test is not accurate as a blood glucose test, it is ordered when blood glucose testing is
difficult or not possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q1. How is the test performed?
A urine sample in a container is required to perform the test.
Q2. Is there any risk associated with this test?
There is no significant risk associated with this test.
Q3. What level of blood sugar is dangerous?
As stated by the American Diabetes Association, anyone with a random blood sugar of 200mg/dl or
greater is diabetic. If the level is between140-200mg/dl, the patient is considered to be at an increased
risk of developing diabetes.
Q4.What are the most common complications of diabetes?
Diabetes if not controlled can cause grave complications. It is the unregulated increased blood glucose
that mediates most of the damage and harm. The damage occurs over a period of time, thus the onset
of the complications is slow. The nerves, muscles and, blood vessels are the most affected by this. Some
of the complications that may arise are,
- Diabetic Retinopathy(damage to the retina) which may lead to blindness.
- Diabetic Neuropathy(damage to the nerves) in various parts of the body;
- Diabetic Nephropathy(damage to the kidneys) resulting in chronic loss of kidney function;
- The diabetic foot which can cause foot ulcers that may turn gangrenous.
- Uncontrolled diabetes may also eventually lead to death.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
Glucose is not normally found in urine, if results show glucose, it may be a sign of:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy
WHY GET TESTED?
This test is performed:
- As a routine health maintenance checkup.
- As a part of urine analysis
- If the patient is experiencing symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased urination, thirst, anxiety and, blurring of vision.
- If the patient suffers from risk factors that can contribute to the onset of diabetes, such as smoking, cardiovascular diseases, increased cholesterol, obesity, or a strong family history of diabetes.
- A patient who already suffers from diabetes.
- A pregnant woman
