Relationship between urinary and blood glucose in diabetic children

Abstract

The relationship of urine glucose concentration with 'average' blood glucose concentration for the corresponding period was investigated in 10 juvenile diabetics during the performance of 15 inpatient metabolic profiles. 0% glycosuria was associated with 'average' blood glucose concentrations <6.4 mmol/l (<115 mg/100ml), 2% glycosuria with concentrations >8.6 mmol/l (>154 mg/100ml), and over 5% glycosuria with concentrations >11.3 mmol/l (>204 mg/100 ml). Urinary glucose loss was large (>278 mmol; >5g) when the 'average' blood glucose was >11.1 mmol/l (>200mg/100ml). Because many diabetics have blood glucose concentrations up to 11.1 mmol/l, it is advantageous if glycosuria up to 5% is detectable by routine home urine tests. The 2-drop Clinitest method detects glycosuria up to 5% without significant loss of accuracy and is recommended in preference to the 5-drop method.