Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesRole of the KidneysDiagnosisWhen to See a DoctorComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Role of the Kidneys
Diagnosis
When to See a Doctor
Complications
Normally, there is little to noglucose(sugar) in urine. High levels of sugar in the urine, known asglycosuria, can occur when a person has high blood sugar or a kidney problem. Blood is filtered through the kidneys, which remove waste, including excess sugar. This becomes urine, which is eliminated from the body when you pee.
While sugar in urine doesn’t require treatment, its underlying condition may need to be managed.Urine glucose testscan measure the amount of glucose in urine, but additional testing is needed to determine the cause.
This article explains the potential causes of glycosuria. It will also cover when to seek medical attention and how glycosuria is diagnosed and treated.
Verywell / Katie Kerpel
What Causes High Levels of Sugar in Urine?
Hyperglycemia, Prediabetes, and Diabetes
Diabetes affects the hormoneinsulinand the body’s ability to store and use sugar as energy. Withuncontrolled diabetesand high blood sugar levels, the kidneys can’t absorb all of the sugar. The kidneys then get rid of the excess sugar from the body through the urine.
Other signs of diabetes or high blood sugar include:
When Does High Blood Sugar Spill Into Urine?Sugar does not normally pass into the urine until blood glucose levels are 180 mg/dL or higher. Normal blood sugar usually ranges from 70 mg/dL to 139 mg/dL in people without diabetes.
When Does High Blood Sugar Spill Into Urine?
Sugar does not normally pass into the urine until blood glucose levels are 180 mg/dL or higher. Normal blood sugar usually ranges from 70 mg/dL to 139 mg/dL in people without diabetes.
Pregnancy
Because of changes in hormones and how the kidneys function during pregnancy, glycosuria may be found in about 50% of pregnant individuals. Often this isn’t a cause for concern but should still be discussed with your doctor.
Gestational diabetes, or high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, can also cause glycosuria. Screening for this is an essential part of prenatal care. Symptoms may include feeling very thirsty and having to pee more than usual.
Kidney Disease
Inchronic kidney disease, which is loss of kidney functioning, or after akidney transplant, people may have high levels of sugar in their urine.
Research shows that the increased release of sugar and some essential minerals in urine is protective against the progression of chronic kidney disease in some individuals.
With chronic kidney disease, you may notice other symptoms such as:
Renal Glycosuria
This causes the kidneys to release too much glucose into the urine even whenblood sugar levelsare normal or low. This type of glycosuria typically doesn’t have any severe symptoms.
Medications
High sugar in urine can also be a side effect of certain types ofdiabetes medications, known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors,
Sugar in Urine: Role of Kidneys
Glucose circulates through the bloodstream and provides energy to cells. This glucose can end up in your urine.
Thekidneys, small bean-shaped organs, filter blood and remove waste. The cleaned blood is transferred back to the body. The leftover waste goes to thebladder, which collects urine and is released when you pee.
Most healthy people won’t have much, if any, glucose in their urine. The normal range for glucose in urine is 0 to 15 mg/dL (0 to 0.8 mmol/l).
Glycosuria can occur if the kidneys don’t remove most of the sugar before it leaves your body as urine. It is considered glycosuria when sugar in theurine is greater than 25 mg/dL.
How Does Sugar in Urine Look?Sugar in urine does not always have obvious signs but can sometimes give urine a cloudy appearance. High levels of sugar in the urine may also may your pee smell sweet.Another sign of glycosuria is a build-up of a dark mold in your toilet. This is more common in people with undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes who frequently spill sugar in their urine.
How Does Sugar in Urine Look?
Sugar in urine does not always have obvious signs but can sometimes give urine a cloudy appearance. High levels of sugar in the urine may also may your pee smell sweet.Another sign of glycosuria is a build-up of a dark mold in your toilet. This is more common in people with undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes who frequently spill sugar in their urine.
Sugar in urine does not always have obvious signs but can sometimes give urine a cloudy appearance. High levels of sugar in the urine may also may your pee smell sweet.
Another sign of glycosuria is a build-up of a dark mold in your toilet. This is more common in people with undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes who frequently spill sugar in their urine.
Tests to Identify High Sugar Levels in Urine
Home Testing
If you do an at-home test, discuss the results with your healthcare provider. With conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease, early diagnosis is essential to help slow their progression.
Healthcare Provider Exam and Tests
To test for glycosuria, your healthcare provider may order a urine analysis to check sugar levels. They may also order blood tests to check your blood sugar levels and your kidney function.
Prediabetes and diabetes are diagnosed based on the results of:
Results signaling prediabetes are:
Diabetes is diagnosed at:
Check This Pee Color Chart to Know Where You Stand
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Sugar in Your Urine?
If you think you have sugar in your urine, reach out to your doctor so they can figure out the underlying cause.
However, there are some signs and symptoms that can indicate a severe illness that’s related to blood sugar levels is happening. Diabetic emergencies require immediate medical care. If you or someone you know has the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the hospital right away:
Complications of Sugar in Urine
High levels of sugar in urine can lead to urinary tract infections and yeast infections.In people with diabetes, frequently spilling sugar in your urine can also lead to kidney damage.
When an underlying condition causes high sugar in the urine, you may need to be monitored more frequently. Your healthcare provider will create the best treatment plan for your needs. Getting treated as soon as possible may help reduce the chance of complications if your condition progresses.
Keep in mind that some conditions can trigger serious complications. For example, conditions associated with high blood sugar levels canlead to complicationslike:
Summary
Glycosuria is the medical term for having high levels of sugar in the urine, and it can signal an underlying health issue. Under normal conditions, urine may have trace amounts of sugar (glucose) or none at all.
Sugar in urine can cause complications, notably yeast infections and UTIs. Chronic high sugar in urine can also lead to kidney damage. Identifying and treating the underlying cause can help prevent complications.
Glycosuria is diagnosed with a urine test. Blood tests are then done to investigate the cause. Your doctor may also order other specific tests to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Glucose urine test.American Diabetes Association.Understanding type 1 diabetes.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG): InformedHealth.org.Type 2 diabetes: Measuring sugar levels in blood and urine yourself. 2020.Alto WA.No need for glycosuria/proteinuria screen in pregnant women.J Fam Pract. 2005;54(11):978-983.National Institutes of Health.Symptoms and causes of gestational diabetes.Hung CC, Lin HYH, Lee JJ, et al.Glycosuria and renal outcomes in patients with nondiabetic advanced chronic kidney disease.Sci Rep. 2016;6:39372. doi:10.1038/srep39372American Kidney Fund.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention.Prié D.Familial renal glycosuria and modifications of glucose renal excretion.Diabetes Metab. 2014;40(6 Suppl 1):S12-16. doi:10.1016/S1262-3636(14)72690-4Frampton JE.Empagliflozin: a review in type 2 diabetes.Drugs. 2018;78(10):1037-1048. doi:10.1007/s40265-018-0937-zLiman MNP, Jialal I.Physiology, Glycosuria. [Updated 2022 Mar 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.Roberts JR.Urine dipstick testing: everything you need to know.Emerg Med News. 2007;29(6):24-27. doi:10.1097/01.EEM.0000279130.93159.d9American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022.Diabetes Care. 2022;45(Supplement_1):S17-S38. doi:10.2337/dc22-S002National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and women.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic kidney disease.National Library of Medicine.Long-term complications of diabetes.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Glucose urine test.American Diabetes Association.Understanding type 1 diabetes.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG): InformedHealth.org.Type 2 diabetes: Measuring sugar levels in blood and urine yourself. 2020.Alto WA.No need for glycosuria/proteinuria screen in pregnant women.J Fam Pract. 2005;54(11):978-983.National Institutes of Health.Symptoms and causes of gestational diabetes.Hung CC, Lin HYH, Lee JJ, et al.Glycosuria and renal outcomes in patients with nondiabetic advanced chronic kidney disease.Sci Rep. 2016;6:39372. doi:10.1038/srep39372American Kidney Fund.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention.Prié D.Familial renal glycosuria and modifications of glucose renal excretion.Diabetes Metab. 2014;40(6 Suppl 1):S12-16. doi:10.1016/S1262-3636(14)72690-4Frampton JE.Empagliflozin: a review in type 2 diabetes.Drugs. 2018;78(10):1037-1048. doi:10.1007/s40265-018-0937-zLiman MNP, Jialal I.Physiology, Glycosuria. [Updated 2022 Mar 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.Roberts JR.Urine dipstick testing: everything you need to know.Emerg Med News. 2007;29(6):24-27. doi:10.1097/01.EEM.0000279130.93159.d9American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022.Diabetes Care. 2022;45(Supplement_1):S17-S38. doi:10.2337/dc22-S002National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and women.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic kidney disease.National Library of Medicine.Long-term complications of diabetes.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Glucose urine test.American Diabetes Association.Understanding type 1 diabetes.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG): InformedHealth.org.Type 2 diabetes: Measuring sugar levels in blood and urine yourself. 2020.Alto WA.No need for glycosuria/proteinuria screen in pregnant women.J Fam Pract. 2005;54(11):978-983.National Institutes of Health.Symptoms and causes of gestational diabetes.Hung CC, Lin HYH, Lee JJ, et al.Glycosuria and renal outcomes in patients with nondiabetic advanced chronic kidney disease.Sci Rep. 2016;6:39372. doi:10.1038/srep39372American Kidney Fund.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention.Prié D.Familial renal glycosuria and modifications of glucose renal excretion.Diabetes Metab. 2014;40(6 Suppl 1):S12-16. doi:10.1016/S1262-3636(14)72690-4Frampton JE.Empagliflozin: a review in type 2 diabetes.Drugs. 2018;78(10):1037-1048. doi:10.1007/s40265-018-0937-zLiman MNP, Jialal I.Physiology, Glycosuria. [Updated 2022 Mar 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.Roberts JR.Urine dipstick testing: everything you need to know.Emerg Med News. 2007;29(6):24-27. doi:10.1097/01.EEM.0000279130.93159.d9American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022.Diabetes Care. 2022;45(Supplement_1):S17-S38. doi:10.2337/dc22-S002National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and women.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic kidney disease.National Library of Medicine.Long-term complications of diabetes.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Glucose urine test.
American Diabetes Association.Understanding type 1 diabetes.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG): InformedHealth.org.Type 2 diabetes: Measuring sugar levels in blood and urine yourself. 2020.
Alto WA.No need for glycosuria/proteinuria screen in pregnant women.J Fam Pract. 2005;54(11):978-983.
National Institutes of Health.Symptoms and causes of gestational diabetes.
Hung CC, Lin HYH, Lee JJ, et al.Glycosuria and renal outcomes in patients with nondiabetic advanced chronic kidney disease.Sci Rep. 2016;6:39372. doi:10.1038/srep39372
American Kidney Fund.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention.
Prié D.Familial renal glycosuria and modifications of glucose renal excretion.Diabetes Metab. 2014;40(6 Suppl 1):S12-16. doi:10.1016/S1262-3636(14)72690-4
Frampton JE.Empagliflozin: a review in type 2 diabetes.Drugs. 2018;78(10):1037-1048. doi:10.1007/s40265-018-0937-z
Liman MNP, Jialal I.Physiology, Glycosuria. [Updated 2022 Mar 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.
Roberts JR.Urine dipstick testing: everything you need to know.Emerg Med News. 2007;29(6):24-27. doi:10.1097/01.EEM.0000279130.93159.d9
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022.Diabetes Care. 2022;45(Supplement_1):S17-S38. doi:10.2337/dc22-S002
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and women.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic kidney disease.
National Library of Medicine.Long-term complications of diabetes.
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