26/11/2025
WHAT PARAMETERS ON A URINALYSIS RESULTS MAY SUGGEST DIABETES AND WHAT FURTHER CONFIRMATORY TESTS CAN BE DONE IN THE LABORATORY?
THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS SHALL SUGGEST DIABETES ON URINALYSIS RESULTS
1.Glucose (Sugar):
Normally, the urine contains very little or no glucose because the kidneys reabsorb most of it back into the bloodstream. When blood glucose levels are consistently high (typically exceeding the renal threshold of 160-180 mg/dL), the kidneys cannot reabsorb all of it, and the excess "spills" into the urine. The presence of detectable glucose in the urine (glucosuria) is a strong indicator of high blood sugar and potential diabetes.
2. Ketones:
Ketones are byproducts produced when the body burns fat for energy because it cannot use glucose properly due to a lack of or insufficient insulin. High levels of ketones in the urine (ketonuria) can signal a potentially life-threatening complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which requires immediate medical attention.
3. Specific Gravity:
Diabetes can cause increased thirst and frequent urination, which, if not managed, can lead to dehydration. Dehydration results in more concentrated urine and a higher-than-normal urine specific gravity.
FURTHER CONFIRMATORY TESTS
Urinalysis is a screening tool, but it is not accurate enough to definitively diagnose diabetes. Some more accurate and recommended blood tests can be done to confirm a diabetes diagnosis.
Recommended blood tests for confirmation include:
1. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test:
This test measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast (at least 8 hours). A result of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests confirms a diagnosis of diabetes.
2. A1C Test (Glycated Hemoglobin Test):
This blood test provides a client's average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher is the diagnostic threshold for diabetes.
3. Random Plasma Glucose Test:
This test can be performed at any time, without fasting. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher in a person with classic diabetes symptoms (e.g., frequent urination, extreme thirst, unexplained weight loss) indicates diabetes.
4. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):
After an overnight fast, a blood sample is taken. The client then drinks a sugary liquid, and blood glucose levels are checked again 2 hours later. A 2-hour postload glucose concentration of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher confirms a diabetes diagnosis.
Typically, it will require two abnormal test results to definitively diagnose diabetes, unless the client is showing clear symptoms and has unequivocal hyperglycemia.
5. Chemistry blood test :
A blood sample can be collected in a special blood specimen tube which inhibits glycolysis to check and confirm glucose levels in a patient.
