Glucose in Urine: The Difference Between Glycosuria and Glucosuria
Glycosuria and glucosuria are two conditions that can occur when the urine contains high levels of glucose (sugar). Although both terms refer to the presence of glucose in the urine, they differ in the underlying cause.
Glycosuria
Glycosuria is a medical condition in which excess reducing sugars such as glucose(glucosuria), galactose, lactose, and fructose are excreted in the urine due to kidney problems. Normally, the kidneys reabsorb all sugars from the urine and return them to the bloodstream. In this condition, the kidneys are unable to do that, resulting in its excretion in the urine.
Causes:
It can occur due to a variety of factors, including uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, and rare genetic disorders. It can also occur in pregnant women and individuals with certain types of kidney disease.
Symptoms:
Including increased urination, excessive thirst, and fatigue. Also, there may be no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis:
Is done through a urine test, to measure the level of sugar in the urine. Further testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment:
It depends on the underlying cause. For individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, control through medication and lifestyle changes may be necessary. For medication-induced glycosuria, it will improve after discontinuing the medication. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to correct an underlying structural abnormality in the kidneys. If left untreated, glycosuria can lead to complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.
Glucosuria
Glucosuria is a condition in which the urine contains high levels of glucose (only) due to an increase of its levels in the blood. It is the most common type of glycosuria. This can occur due to excessive consumption of sugary foods or due to a deficiency in insulin, which helps to absorb glucose into the cells. Glucosuria may indicate the presence of diabetes.
| Glycosuria | Glucosuria | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The presence of excess reducing sugars such as glucose, galactose, lactose, and fructose in the urine. Due to a problem with the kidneys | High levels of glucose in the urine Due to increased levels of glucose in the blood |
| Underlying causes | Uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, rare genetic disorders | Uncontrolled diabetes, medication-induced, hormonal imbalances |
| Symptoms | Increased urination, excessive thirst, fatigue | Same |
| Diagnosis | Urine test to measure glucose levels in the urine | Same |
| Treatment | Control of diabetes, medication changes, surgery if needed | Same |
| Complications | Kidney damage, nerve damage, vision problems | Same |
Conclusion
Glycosuria and glucosuria are two conditions where urine contains high levels of glucose. Glycosuria is due to a problem with the kidneys, while glucosuria is due to increased levels of glucose in the blood.
