In renal glucosuria, glucose (sugar) is excreted in the urine, despite normal or low glucose levels in the blood.
(See also Introduction to Disorders of Kidney Tubules.)
Normally, the body excretes glucose in the urine only when glucose levels in the blood are very high (such as in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus). In most healthy people, glucose that is filtered from the blood by the kidneys is completely reabsorbed back into the blood. In people with renal glucosuria, glucose may be excreted in the urine despite normal or low levels of glucose in the blood. This happens because of a defect in the tubular cells of the kidneys that decreases the reabsorption of glucose.
Some forms of renal glucosuria are hereditary, causing glucosuria alone or as part of Fanconi syndrome. The acquired form can be caused by certain medications or diseases that damage the kidney tubules.
Renal glucosuria has no symptoms or serious consequences.
A doctor makes the diagnosis when a routine urine test detects glucose in the urine even though glucose levels in the blood are normal.
No treatment is needed.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Provides insight into ongoing research, consumer health information in English and Spanish, a blog, and community health and outreach programs.
