Is there a way to know if over the counter urine glucose test strips are accurate? Can they be tested by dipping in a solution of table sugar and water?

We gave up testing urine for sugar long ago because it is not only inaccurate, but sugar does not usually appear in the urine until the blood sugar is over 180 mg/dl [10 mmol/L]. Since we are trying to keep blood sugars under 120 mg/dl [6.7 mmol/L], the urine test would not be able to tell us the information we are looking for.

Urine testing is still useful to check for ketones in people with type 1 diabetes when their diabetes is out of control, although there is also a meter that can do that (Precision Xtra).

JS

[Editor’s comment: However, there’s one potential use for strips that can check sugar levels in liquids: see Tips about Diet Soda Pop at the Diabetes Monitor.

WWQ]