From the Guidelines
Glucosuria is often asymptomatic on its own, but it can be associated with symptoms of underlying conditions, particularly diabetes mellitus, including polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and increased hunger. The presence of glucose in urine typically occurs when blood glucose levels exceed the kidney's reabsorption threshold, causing glucose to spill into the urine 1. This can happen either because blood glucose is too high, as in diabetes, or because the kidneys' reabsorption capacity is impaired, as in certain kidney disorders. According to the most recent evidence, symptoms of marked hyperglycemia include polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, sometimes with polyphagia, and blurred vision 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Glucosuria can occur without symptoms, especially in pregnant women, as a normal physiological change.
- The sugar in urine can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, leading to recurrent urinary tract infections.
- If glucosuria is detected, further testing for diabetes or kidney function is essential to manage the underlying cause.
- The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of different organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels 1.
It is essential to note that the evidence from 1 is more recent and of higher quality compared to 1, and therefore, it takes precedence in guiding clinical decision-making. The most critical step in managing glucosuria is to identify and treat the underlying cause, rather than treating glucosuria itself.
From the Research
Symptoms of Glucosuria
The symptoms of glucosuria, a condition characterized by the presence of glucose in the urine, can be understood through various studies.
- Polyuria, or excessive urine production, is a common symptom of glucosuria, particularly in patients with hyperglycemia 2.
- The urine glucose level is expected to be high in patients with glucosuria, typically ranging from 300 to 400 mmol/L with normal renal function 2.
- However, some patients may have a lower urine glucose level due to factors such as impaired concentrating ability or increased renal glucose reabsorption 2.
- Exercise and metformin, a common medication for type 2 diabetes, can affect glucose metabolism and potentially impact glucosuria symptoms 3, 4.
- Studies have shown that exercise can increase postprandial glucose levels, while metformin can improve glucose metabolism and reduce glucosuria symptoms 3, 4.
- The combination of exercise and metformin may have a greater efficacy in improving glucose metabolism and reducing glucosuria symptoms than either treatment alone 4.