Urine Glucose Test Strips: Chart, Purpose, Principle, Use (2024)

Urine glucose test strips measure the amount of glucose, or sugar, in a person’s urine. They are used to monitor glucose levels in people with diabetes, as high glucose levels in the urine can indicate high blood sugar. A Glucose Test Strip (dipstick) is a thin plastic strip with a chemical pad at one end. You can buy dipsticks at a pharmacy or online.A urine glucose test is a simple and non-invasive way to measure the amount of glucose, or sugar, in a person’s urine. This test is commonly used to monitor glucose levels in people with diabetes, as elevated glucose levels in the urine can indicate high blood sugar. Monitoring glucose levels is essential for managing diabetes and preventing complications. In this article, we will discuss the use of urine glucose test strips, including their chart, purpose, and principle, as well as their pros and cons.

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Glucose in urine test principle

In healthy individuals, almost all glucose filtered out in the glomerulus is reabsorbed by the proximal convoluted tubule. However, when blood glucose levels rise, as with diabetes mellitus, the ability of the convoluted tubule to reabsorb glucose is exceeded, resulting in a renal reabsorption threshold. This threshold for glucose is between 160-180 mg/dL. Glucose levels can vary in an individual, and even a healthy person may have temporary glucosuria after consuming a meal high in sugar. Therefore, the most accurate results are obtained from samples taken at least two hours after eating.Test strips detect glucose through an enzymatic reaction involving glucose oxidase. This enzyme oxidizes glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. A second reaction, facilitated by a peroxidase, causes the peroxide to react with a chromogen to produce a colored compound indicating glucose concentration.The intensity of the color is proportional to the glucose concentration in the urine. The color can be compared with a color chart on the package of the strips, which shows different ranges of glucose levels. The chart is calibrated based on the standard urine glucose concentration curve.

• Catalysed by glucose oxidase
  Glucose + O₂ → D-glucono-δ-lactone + H₂O₂
• Catalyzed by peroxidase
  H₂O₂ + Chromogen → Oxidised chromogen (colored) + H₂O

However, false positive results may occur due to strong oxidizing agents or peroxide from disinfectants used on laboratory instruments.

Preparation for the Test

Before using the urine glucose test strip, remember to:

• Consult your doctor about your medications or supplements that affect urine glucose levels. For example, aspirin, vitamin C, and some antibiotics may increase your urine glucose levels, while diuretics and antihistamines may decrease them. Some test strips include a test for urinary ascorbate (vitamin C).
• Drink fluids before the test, as dehydration may cause falsely high results. Avoid drinks that contain sugar, caffeine, or alcohol, as they may also affect your urine glucose levels.
• Collect a fresh urine sample in a clean container. You can use the first-morning urine or any other urine sample during the day. However, you should avoid collecting urine right after a meal, as this may cause a temporary rise in your urine glucose levels.

How to use Urine Glucose Test Strip

Here is a step-by-step procedure on how to use a glucose test strip:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly.
2. Collect a fresh urine sample in a clean container. You can use the first-morning urine or any other urine sample during the day. However, you should avoid collecting urine right after a meal, as this may cause a temporary rise in your urine glucose levels.
3. Take a glucose test strip out of its container and close it tightly to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
4. Dip the test strip into the urine sample, ensuring the test pad is completely immersed.
5. Remove the test strip from the urine sample and remove any excess urine.
6. Wait for the time specified in the instructions, usually around 30 seconds to 2 minutes, for the test strip to react with the urine.
7. Compare the color of the test pad with the color chart provided on the container or in the instructions. The color change indicates the level of glucose in your urine.
8. Record your result and dispose of the used test strip.

It is important to carefully follow the instructions with your glucose test strips to ensure accurate results. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance if you have any questions or concerns.

Interpreting Results

After conducting a urine glucose test, you should understand your results. Here are some points to consider:

• Your results will show you the range of glucose levels in your urine, such as normal, slightly elevated, or high. You can compare your results with the color chart on the package of the dipstick.
• Normal urine glucose levels are usually less than 0.8 mmol/L or 15 mg/dL. Slightly elevated urine glucose levels are between 0.8 and 2.8 mmol/L or 15 and 50 mg/dL. High urine glucose levels are above 2.8 mmol/L or 50 mg/dL.

Abnormal Results

The normal range for glucose in urine is 0 to 0.8 mmol/L. If the measurement is higher, it could indicate a health issue. Diabetes is the most common reason for elevated glucose levels, and a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis.Pregnancy can also cause an increase in urine glucose levels. Pregnant women often have higher glucose levels in their urine than non-pregnant women. Women with pre-existing elevated urine glucose levels should be carefully monitored for gestational diabetes during pregnancy.Another cause of high urine glucose levels is renal glycosuria. In this rare condition, the kidneys release glucose into the urine, resulting in high urine glucose levels even if blood glucose levels are normal.If your urine glucose test results are abnormal, your doctor will conduct further tests to determine the cause. It is important, to be honest with your doctor and provide them with a list of all medications you are taking, as some medications can affect glucose levels in the blood and urine. Also, inform your doctor if you are experiencing high levels of stress, as this can increase glucose levels.Regularly monitoring your urine glucose levels can help you manage your diabetes and prevent complications. You should follow your doctor’s advice on how often and when to do the test. You should also record your results and report any changes or concerns to your doctor.

Pros and Cons of Urine Glucose Test Strips

Urine glucose test strips have some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:Pros:

• They are easy to use and do not require any special equipment or training.
• They are inexpensive and widely available at pharmacies or online.
• They can help you monitor your glucose levels and detect any changes or problems.

Cons:

• They are not entirely accurate and reliable, and they can be affected by many factors, such as dehydration, medications, infections, or dietary intake.
• They only measure the glucose levels in your urine, not your blood, which is more relevant for diabetes management.
• They cannot tell you the exact amount of glucose in your urine, only the range.
• They cannot replace more precise blood glucose tests that provide more information about your diabetes condition.

Conclusion

Urine glucose test strips can help you monitor your glucose levels and manage your diabetes. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and widely available. However, they are not very accurate and reliable and can be affected by many factors. Therefore, you should consult your doctor for further testing and treatment options. Urine glucose test strips are not a substitute for blood glucose tests, which are more precise and provide more information about your diabetes condition.

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