Glucose is the most elemental form of sugar available, and it has a significant impact on blood sugar levels. On most labeled products the glucose concentration will be listed as the product's sugar content, which can take on myriad forms and names. For a quick guesstimate of sugar concentration, you can test solutions, such as punch or homemade juice, using over-the-counter urine glucose testing strips.
Step 1
Pour a quarter-cup of the solution into a smaller container, such as a disposable paper cup, for testing.
Step 2
Hold a test strip by the plain paper or plastic end, making sure your fingers do not touch the colored portion of the testing strip. Dip the colored portion of the strip in the solution as per the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended period of time; usually this is about 5 to 10 seconds.
Step 3
Remove the strip from the solution and set aside. The chemical processes in the strip require a little time to register a glucose reading, which is usually within one minute. Discard the solution that was used for testing.
Step 4
Compare the test strip color to the color chart that came with the testing strips. This chart is usually found on the bottle of strips, on the outside packaging or inside the instructions. The comparison will identify the glucose concentration within the testing solution.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a strip to test plain water and another to test a solution known to contain glucose, such as orange juice. Compare this control group to where your solution tests. Prior to purchasing the testing strips, read the packaging thoroughly to make sure the strips measure glucose concentration, not simply identify its presence or absence. Before testing, check the test-strip manufacturer's instructions on whether the strip should be dipped in the solution -- substitute the word "solution" for "urine" while reading the instructions -- or whether the solution should be poured over the strip.
- This information should be used for educational purposes only, not for diabetics or other individuals trying to regulate blood sugar results.
Things You'll Need
- Urine glucose test strips
- Liquid for testing
- Small container
