Glucose in Urine. What Could It Mean?

What causes high glucose in urine? The most common cause for glycosuria (glucose in urine) by far is diabetes. In some cases, though, other underlying conditions may contribute to the body’s limited ability to properly filter urine. Among these are damaged kidney tubules, which could be a complication resulting from chronic kidney disease, and an abnormal amount of sugar consumption. For a full breakdown of glucose in urine causes, as well as the breakpoints that could signify serious conditions, read on!

Glucose in Urine - Causes

There are a few factors that can contribute to patients contracting glycosuria, the most common one of which is diabetes. Diabetic individuals have trouble with proper blood sugar regulation due to partial or complete insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production. 

As a result, instead of being properly distributed to cells within the body, glucose lingers in the blood, elevating blood sugar and causing a condition known as hyperglycemia. Then, to dispose of the excess glucose, the body’s urinary system and kidneys work together to excrete it during urination.

Other types of glycosuria can result in connection with the following:

• Pregnancy
• Genetic susceptibility
• Kidney degeneration, e.g., due to Fanconi syndrome.

It’s important to stress that abnormal glucose levels often lead to other conditions, gradually throwing more and more obstacles that disturb your body’s homeostasis. Therefore, it’s critical to do all you can to protect your kidneys by incorporating kidney health practices into your daily life.

Types of Glycosuria – Know the Difference

As mentioned above, there are several types of glycosuria, each characterized by their causes and specific effects. Below, you will find a brief overview of what causes glucose in urine.

Glycosuria Caused by Diabetes

Insufficient insulin production raises blood sugar content in diabetic patients, disregulating their ability to convert sugar into energy. As excess glucose lingers in the body instead of being properly absorbed, the body simply excretes it when you pee. This will read as glycosuria when performing a standard or at-home urine test.

Genetic Glycosuria

Genetic conditions, such as Fanconi syndrome, inhibit kidney function, particularly by limiting the nephrons’ ability to absorb electrolytes and other nutrients – including glucose. When the kidneys don’t perform their job well enough, excess glucose once again stays in the bloodstream and is eventually excreted during urination.

Renal Glycosuria

Whereas Fanconi syndrome affects the nephrons (or the proximal renal tubules, more specifically), renal glycosuria inhibits the function of the renal tubular cells themselves. In addition, most cases of renal glycosuria only influence the resorption of glucose, with minimal impact on other renal or metabolic functions.

Glucose in Urine & Pregnancy

To help in gestation and ensure the fetus develops properly, the body produces extra insulin-resistant hormones. Conversely, the expecting mother could experience increased blood sugar levels, causing gestational diabetes and, eventually, glycosuria. It’s important to note here that glucose in urine during pregnancy isn’t permanent nor untreatable.

What Is Considered High Glucose in Urine?

For most individuals, a non-concerning level of glucose in urine oscillates between 0 and 0.8 mmol/L (millimoles per liter), or anywhere between 0 and 15 mg/dL.

But what levels are considered high glucose in urine? There are several categories, which we outline below.

What Does 1+ Glucose in Urine Mean?

1+ refers to the result of a qualitative dipstick test or rapid urine test. The “+” signifies the test detected higher-than-trace amounts of glucose, which could indicate diabetes. Patients who obtain such a reading may be referred for further testing, as additional investigation is required to understand the underlying cause.

What Does 500 mg/dL Glucose in Urine Mean?

Normally, any reading above 180 mg/dL is considered abnormally high. Therefore, a reading of 500 mg/dL glucose in urine means significantly impaired kidney function, causing glycosuria. Patients with such high values will almost certainly be considered diabetic, and may need treatment to deal with that condition.

What Does 1000 mg/dL Glucose in Urine Mean?

A glucose in urine level of 1000 mg/dL means you have a severe case of diabetes and could develop serious, potentially life-threatening complications. Patients who obtain such a reading need to consult their doctor and seek treatment to prevent further danger to their bodies.

Available Treatment for Glycosuria

Since glycosuria is merely a symptom of more complex diseases, treatment will differ depending on the type of glycosuria affecting the patient. In the majority of cases – excluding genetic glycosuria – the condition can be treated safely and effectively through several means, including:

• Dietary changes: Following a diet with a moderate intake of carbohydrates helps regulate blood glucose levels in individuals with inadequate insulin functionality due to diabetes mellitus.

• Physical activity: Exercising regularly can increase the individual’s sensitivity to insulin, reducing the chance of developing glycosuria and aiding in treatment.

• Antidiabetic medication: For patients with advanced diabetes, medications like insulin, metformin, or other antidiabetics help control blood sugar levels and reduce glycosuria.

The Takeaway

Glucose in urine can occur for many reasons, including pregnancy. Most of the time, however, it is a complication of diabetes. While the condition isn’t dangerous in itself, when a urinalysis result comes back indicating high glucose in urine, it warrants further testing and investigation, as glycosuria often develops as a consequence of more nefarious problems.

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