What should you know about a home diabetes urine test?

A strip may change colour when glucose, ketones, protein, blood, or other substances are present. Results can be affected by concentrated urine, medicines, storage, timing, and how long the strip is left before reading. Urine glucose is not a direct measure of the current blood glucose level, so a normal strip does not rule out diabetes.

Ketones can appear when the body is using fat for energy, including during illness or reduced food intake. Protein or blood may have several causes and needs clinical interpretation. A urine result cannot distinguish an uncomplicated urinary tract infection from a kidney infection or another urinary problem.

Check the expiry date, collect the sample as instructed, compare the colour within the stated time, and record the result with any symptoms. If glucose or protein is repeatedly present, arrange a medical review for appropriate blood and urine testing. Do not use a home strip to decide whether to take antibiotics or alter diabetes treatment.

Drink normally unless a clinician has advised a different plan. Take prescribed medicines as directed and bring the strip packaging or a photograph of the result to your appointment.

Seek urgent help for vomiting, severe abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, marked drowsiness, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down, particularly when ketones are present. Fever with pain in the side or back, or feeling very unwell with urinary symptoms, also needs prompt assessment because infection can involve the kidneys.

Ask whether you need blood glucose or HbA1c testing, how to check ketones during illness, and which urinary symptoms should prompt same-day advice.