Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial)

(Urine Glucose - PP, Urine Sugar - PP)

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Urine sample must preferably be the midstream urine (part of urine that comes after first and before the last stream). Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile container provided by our sample collection professional. Make sure that the container doesn't come in contact with your skin. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed.
Sample is to be given 2 hours after the start of the meal.

Understanding Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial)

What is Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial)?

Glucose-postprandial urine test is performed to measure the level of glucose in the urine. It is a screening test for prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes. The test is done after a period of 2 hours from the start of the last meal so as to check how the body responds to sugar and starch post your meal. The presence of glucose in urine is usually suggestive of diabetes.

This test is recommended if you have signs or symptoms of diabetes like excessive thirst, excessive hunger, excessive urine frequency, and weight loss. It is also used to monitor glucose levels in diabetics for assessing kidney damage and to assess the effect of treatment in diabetics.

What is Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial) used for?

The glucose postprandial is done:

If you have signs or symptoms of diabetes like excessive thirst, excessive hunger, excessive urine frequency, and weight loss
To monitor glucose levels in diabetics for assessing kidney damage
To assess the effect of treatment in diabetics

What does Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial) measure?

The Glucose Postprandial Test measures glucose levels in the urine after a period of 2 hours from the start of the last meal.

Glucose is a simple sugar or monosaccharide which is the main source of energy for all the cells of the body. It is important to know that glucose is the only energy source for the nervous system. Carbohydrates consumed in the diet are broken down into their simplest form called glucose, which is absorbed by the intestines and transported by the blood to various organs. It is subsequently utilized by cells of these organs to produce energy wherever necessary. The quantity in excess is stored either as glycogen in the liver for short-term storage or in fat tissues as triglycerides for long-term storage. The uptake, utilization, and storage of glucose after it is absorbed in the intestines is facilitated by the hormone insulin secreted by the pancreas. Insulin guides the transport of glucose to the organs requiring it (e.g., heart, brain, working muscles, etc.). Insulin also directs the storage of excess glucose. The action of insulin reduces sugar levels in the blood.

After every meal, sugar levels increase in the blood and insulin is secreted as a response to reduce the sugar levels until it becomes normal. If glucose levels fall too low in blood, another pancreatic hormone called glucagon is released. Glucagon directs the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the blood. The insulin and glucagon hormones create a feedback mechanism to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Imbalance in their activity can cause high or low blood sugar levels in the blood.

The kidney filters the blood to form urine. Normally, urine has little or no glucose. In case of very high glucose level, glycosuria or high level of glucose in the urine is noted. The test results help to monitor insulin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Interpreting Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial) results

Interpretations

The reference range for glucose post-prandial, urine lies in between 0 - 15 mg/dL.

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

The presence of glucose in urine is usually suggestive of diabetes
The absence of glucose in urine usually means no diabetes

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial)

Frequently Asked Questions about Glucose Urine Test (Postprandial)

Q. What are the risk factors for Diabetes?

Diabetes can be caused by various reasons. The most common risk factors for diabetes include being obese or overweight with low physical activity, having a blood relative diagnosed with Diabetes, or having been diagnosed with hypertension. Other reasons which can cause diabetes could be low High-Density Lipoproteins or high triglyceride levels, being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or having been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Q. How is the urine sample collected?

As the test is performed on the urine sample. It is essential to prevent contamination of the sample with microorganisms naturally present on the skin. During urine collection, women should spread the labia (outer lips of the vagina) while men should retract or pull back the foreskin (fold of skin covering the glans or head of the penis). Start urinating normally and let some urine flow before collecting 20 to 30 ml urine the sterilized container available from the lab or any pharmacy. After collecting the sample, finish urinating into the toilet or urinal. This process is called midstream clean catch method. The urine sample may also be collected using a catheter inserted through the urethra directly into the urinary bladder. Sample collected through a catheter usually has no contamination.

Q. What are the common complications of diabetes?

Diabetes causes an increase in blood sugar levels. Increased sugar levels, if not controlled, can cause severe damage to the muscles and nerves. This may give rise to a number of complications over a period of time. Some common complications of uncontrolled diabetes include heart diseases like coronary artery disease, heart attack, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina) which may cause blindness, diabetic neuropathy (damage to the nerves) at various parts of the body. It may also cause diabetic nephropathy (damage to the kidneys) resulting in chronic loss of kidney function and diabetic foot which can cause foot ulcers that may turn gangrenous. Apart from these, uncontrolled diabetes may also lead to other severe conditions like hearing impairment, a number of skin conditions, and may even lead to death.

Q. What is Hyperglycemia and what are its symptoms?

Hyperglycemia refers to a condition where the blood glucose level is above the normal range. This condition may indicate prediabetes or diabetes and may cause significant health problems. Symptoms of Hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urge to urinate, weakness, tiredness (fatigue), blurring of vision and, slow healing of a wound.

Q. What is Hypoglycemia and what are its symptoms?

Hypoglycemia is the condition where the blood sugar levels fall below normal. This is commonly observed in the case of nutritional deficiency. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia include excessive sweating, frequent hunger, shivering or trembling, confusion, and blurring of vision.

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