Alimentary glycosuria is a condition characterized by the presence of glucose in the urine due to excessive intake of carbohydrates. The word "alimentary" is spelled /ˌælɪˈmɛntri/ and refers to the digestive system. "Glycosuria" is spelled /ˌɡlaɪkəˈsjʊəriə/ and indicates the presence of sugar (glycos) in the urine (uria). The condition is usually benign and does not require treatment, but patients with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels to prevent complications.
Alimentary glycosuria is a medical condition characterized by the presence of sugar (specifically glucose) in the urine. It occurs as a result of an abnormality in the way the body metabolizes carbohydrates.
In a healthy individual, glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream, where it travels to various organs and tissues to provide energy. However, in cases of alimentary glycosuria, the kidneys are unable to effectively reabsorb glucose during the filtration process, leading to its excretion in the urine.
The condition typically arises due to a deficiency or dysfunction of specific proteins involved in glucose reabsorption within the renal tubules, the structures in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste from the blood. Consequently, when blood passes through the kidneys, glucose ends up being eliminated along with urine.
Despite the presence of glucose in the urine, people with alimentary glycosuria usually do not experience elevated blood sugar levels, as the condition only affects the kidney's ability to reabsorb glucose, not the overall regulation of blood glucose. Therefore, symptomatic manifestations are typically absent or minimal.
Alimentary glycosuria can be diagnosed through a series of tests that measure blood sugar levels and analyze urine samples. Treatment options for this condition may include dietary modifications to regulate carbohydrate intake, as well as regular monitoring of blood glucose levels to ensure they stay within a healthy range.
G. Appearing after the ingestion of a moderate amount of sugar, which normally is disposed of without symptoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "alimentary glycosuria" is derived from two main components:
1. Alimentary: The term "alimentary" refers to anything related to nourishment or food. It comes from the Latin word "alimentum", meaning "nourishment" or "food".
2. Glycosuria: "Glycosuria" is a medical term that describes the presence of glucose in the urine. It is a combination of two Greek elements: "glykys" meaning "sweet" and "ouron" meaning "urine".
Putting these components together, "alimentary glycosuria" refers to the presence of glucose in the urine resulting from dietary factors or the intake of certain types of food.