What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Sticky Urine & Diabetes
An abundance of glucose is the common link between diabetes and glycosuria or sticky urine 1. The problem originates in the kidneys and can be a sign of bigger problems.
Glycosuria
Glycosuria occurs when glucose is eliminated from the body through the urine instead of being burned by the body for energy or stored. The problem persists even if blood glucose levels are normal or even low.
Diabetes
Complications of Untreated Type 2 Diabetes
Learn More
Diabetes is a deficit in the insulin that controls the body's glucose levels. Without enough insulin, glucose levels rise and aren’t properly utilized by the body.
The Connection
In diabetics, the kidneys cannot properly absorb the uncontrolled glucose; so it exits the body in the urine. This urine is characteristically sticky and accompanied by foam.
Other Causes of Sticky Urine
Kidney's Function Related to the Circulatory System of the Human Body
Learn More
Nephrons in the kidney that do not work properly also cause sticky urine. Nephrons are the filter units of a kidney, located deep inside and outside of the kidney. Each nephron is made up of a blood vessel and a tube that collects urine.
Considerations
Sticky urine is not the only symptom of diabetes; its presence could indicate a malfunctioning kidney, which is also a serious condition. Sticky urine requires immediate medical attention.
Related Articles
Complications of Untreated Type 2 Diabetes
Learn More
Kidney's Function Related to the Circulatory System of the Human Body
Learn More
Aloe Juice & Kidney Stones
Learn More
Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Abdominal Pain
Learn More
Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Abdominal Pain
Learn More
Diabetes & Cayenne Pepper
Learn More
Blood Glucose & Amlodipine
Learn More
What Causes High Protein in Kidneys?
Learn More
Hydrochlorot Side Effects
Learn More
How the Kidneys Work in Maintaining Blood Pressure
Learn More
References
- Diabetes Information Hub; Glycosuria and Renal Glycosuria
- eMedicine Health; Diabetes Mellitus
- National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse; Kidneys and How They Work
- Perrier ET, Johnson EC, McKenzie AL, Ellis LA, Armstrong LE. Urine colour change as an indicator of change in daily water intake: a quantitative analysis. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(5):1943–1949. doi:10.1007/s00394-015-1010-2
- Cortes-Penfield NW, Trautner BW, Jump RLP. Urinary Tract Infection and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Older Adults. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2017;31(4):673–688. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2017.07.002
- Dreger NM, Degener S, Ahmad-Nejad P, Wöbker G, Roth S. Urosepsis--Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(49):837–848. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0837
- Jump RL, Crnich CJ, Nace DA. Cloudy, Foul-Smelling Urine Not a Criteria for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2016;17(8):754. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2016.04.009
- Kang KK, Choi JR, Song JY, et al. Clinical significance of subjective foamy urine. Chonnam Med J. 2012;48(3):164–168. doi:10.4068/cmj.2012.48.3.164
- Blackburn PR, Gass JM, Vairo FPE, et al. Maple syrup urine disease: mechanisms and management. Appl Clin Genet. 2017;10:57–66. Published 2017 Sep 6. doi:10.2147/TACG.S125962
- Prakash S, Saini S, Mullick P, Pawar M. Green urine: A cause for concern?. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol. 2017;33(1):128–130. doi:10.4103/0970-9185.202190
- Torres PA, Helmstetter JA, Kaye AM, Kaye AD. Rhabdomyolysis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Ochsner J. 2015;15(1):58–69. PMID: 25829882
- Rehfuss A, Mahon J, Sorokin I, Smith C, Stein BS. Phenazopyridine: A Preoperative Way to Identify Ureteral Orifices. Urology. 2018;115:36-38. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.02.023
- American Urological Association. Diagnosis, Evaluation and Follow-up of Asymptomatic Microhematuria (AMH) in Adults. 2016.
- Worku DA. Purple urine bag syndrome: An unusual but important manifestation of urinary tract infection. Case report and literature review. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2019;7:2050313X18823105. Published 2019 Jan 12. doi:10.1177/2050313X18823105
- Alkaptonuria. National Institutes of Health. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. 3/18/2016
- Seo JW, Lee JH, Son IS, et al. Acute oxalate nephropathy caused by ethylene glycol poisoning. Kidney Res Clin Pract. 2012;31(4):249–252. doi:10.1016/j.krcp.2012.09.007
- Urinalysis. Visual Examination. Lab Tests Online. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/urinalysis/ui-exams
Writer Bio
Jonita Davis is freelance writer and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "The LaPorte County Herald Argus" and Work.com. Davis also authored the book, "Michigan City Marinas," which covers the history of the Michigan City Port Authority. Davis holds a bachelor's degree in English from Purdue University.