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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Blood Sugar and Urine Sugar?

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The difference between blood sugar and urine sugar lies in their detection and the reasons for their presence. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the measure of sugar in the bloodstream, while urine sugar, or glycosuria, is the presence of glucose in the urine.

Blood sugar levels are influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and medications, and they vary between 3.3 and 7.8 mmol/l (about 60 and 140 mg/dl) in healthy people. Urine tests only detect very high blood sugar levels, as the body doesn't generally get rid of sugar in urine if someone's blood sugar levels are normal or slightly high.

Some key points about the differences between blood sugar and urine sugar include:

  • Blood sugar tests are more accurate than urine sugar tests for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.
  • Urine sugar tests are not suitable for determining exact blood sugar levels, as they can only indicate very high blood sugar.
  • The presence of sugar in urine is usually a sign of very high blood sugar levels, while the same is not true for blood sugar levels.
  • Glycosuria can be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, renal failure, or other complications, whereas blood sugar levels are influenced by various factors like diet and exercise.

In summary, blood sugar levels are typically measured in the bloodstream and can provide a more accurate assessment of a person's glucose levels. Urine sugar levels, on the other hand, are only detectable when blood sugar levels are very high and are not as reliable for monitoring glucose levels.

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  • What is the Difference Between Blood Sugar and Urine Sugar?
  • Comparative Table: Blood Sugar vs Urine Sugar

    • Comparative Table: Blood Sugar vs Urine Sugar

    The main difference between blood sugar and urine sugar lies in the substance being measured and the conditions under which they are found. Here is a table summarizing the differences between blood sugar and urine sugar:

    Feature Blood Sugar Urine Sugar
    Definition Blood sugar refers to the glucose present in the bloodstream. Urine sugar refers to the presence of glucose or other sugars like lactose, fructose, or galactose in the urine.
    Normal Levels Blood sugar levels between 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) are considered normal. The normal level of urine sugar is between 0 and 0.8 mmol/L.
    Conditions Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes. High levels of urine sugar, also known as glycosuria, can result from uncontrolled diabetes, renal failure, or other complications.
    Measurement Blood glucose levels are measured using fingerstick tests or continuous glucose monitoring systems. Urine sugar levels are typically measured using test strips.

    In summary, blood sugar refers to the glucose in the bloodstream, while urine sugar refers to the presence of glucose or other sugars in the urine. The normal ranges for these substances are different, and they are often measured using different methods.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.