May 8, 2001
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Question from Many, Louisiana, USA:
I’m 33 years old, female, have gained 15 pounds in the last three months, and had gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy. I went to my endocrinologist because I had frequent urination. I assumed I had a urinary tract infection (UTI) because I have a history of them (though I don’t remember ever having such frequent urination except when I was pregnant). I also have slightly abnormal low TSH, but my doctor is unsure if I have a true thyroid problem or not.
The doctor did a blood sugar by fingerstick which was normal, but my urine test showed a little blood, etc. plus some glucose. My doctor thinks I have diabetes instead of a UTI. I now have to monitor my blood three times a day and go back to him in a week.
For the last two days all blood levels have been normal. Could glucose in urine be a fluke? What other test might he order? Is it possible to have an endocrine disorder that is affecting both my thyroid and glucose?
Answer:
Diabetes should not be diagnosed using urine testing, but it is a good way to zero in on the problem. The diagnosis should be made by drawing a blood test. If a fasting level is greater than 126 mg/dl [7mmol/L] or greater that 200 mg/dl [11.1 mmol/L] on two separate occasions, a diagnosis of diabetes can be made. An oral glucose tolerance test, during which you drink the glucose liquid, can also be used to diagnose diabetes.
It is possible to have a false positive glucose level in the urine.
JTL
