Glycosuria happens when you pass blood sugar (blood glucose) into your urine. Normally, your kidneys absorb blood sugar back into your blood vessels from any liquid that passes through them. With glycosuria, your kidneys may not take enough blood sugar out of your urine before it passes out of your body. This often happens because you have an abnormally high level of glucose in your blood (hyperglycemia). Sometimes, glycosuria can develop even if you have normal or low blood sugar levels. In these situations, it’s known as renal glycosuria. CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS What causes this condition and who’s at risk? 1. Type 2 diabetes is the most common cause of glycosuria. If you have this condition, your body’s insulin doesn’t work properly in one of two ways. In some cases, insulin can’t transport blood sugar into your body’s cells effectively. This can cause blood sugar to be passed out in your urine instead. In other cases, your body doesn’t make enough insulin to balance your blood sugar levels. Any excess blood sugar is passed out through your urine. 2.Glycosuria can also happen if you develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. 3.Renal glycosuria is a much rarer form of glycosuria. This happens when your kidney’s renal tubules — the parts of the kidneys that act as filters in your urinary system — don’t filter blood sugar out of your urine properly. This condition is often caused by a mutation in a specific gene. Unlike glycosuria that happens because of type 2 diabetes, renal glycosuria isn’t necessarily caused by your overall health or lifestyle choices. SYMPTOMS What are the symptoms? There aren’t any immediately obvious symptoms of glycosuria. In fact, many people experience glycosuria for years and never notice any symptoms. It causes excessive sugar loss with water. Causes Excessive thirst,excessive urination and fatigue. DIAGNOSIS How is this condition diagnosed? You may have glycosuria if the amount of glucose in your urine is higher than 180 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in a single day. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check your blood sugar. Normal blood sugar levels are usually between 70–140 mg/dl. TREATMENT How is this condition treated? Glycosuria isn’t a cause for concern on its own. No treatment is needed if there isn’t an underlying condition that’s causing you to pass high amounts of glucose in your urine. If a condition like diabetes is causing your glycosuria, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Possible treatment and management options include: Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Developing a diet plan that provides you with enough nutrients while also decreasing sugar or fats intake. This may mean eating more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Taking medications to help your body use insulin more effectively. These can include metformin (Glumetza), which allows your body to respond better to insulin, or sulfonylureas (Glyburid), which helps your body make more insulin. Keeping track of your blood sugar levels so that you can better understand how your body reacts to certain foods, activities, or therapies. OUTLOOK What’s the outlook? The outlook for glycosuria without an associated condition is good. If you have renal glycosuria, you may go on to develop diabetes if you don’t follow a treatment plan to help manage your kidneys’ inability to properly filter glucose. If your glycosuria is caused by diabetes, your outlook improves if you maintain a consistent treatment or management plan. Eating well, exercising every day, and taking any medications that your doctor prescribes can keep you from experiencing any additional complications. PREVENTION Can this be prevented? You can’t prevent genetic conditions like renal glycosuria. But you can prevent glycosuria — and conditions like diabetes — through certain lifestyle choices. You should Eat a balanced diet of grains, fruits, and vegetables to keep your blood sugar in check. Exercise at least 30 minutes every day. Get regular physical examinations to identify any health risks or conditions early. Limit how much caffeine and alcohol you drink to one cup of coffee per day and two to three alcoholic drinks a week.