Ketones are produced when the body is forced to burn (breakdown) its own fat to provide energy. Glucose is the body's usual source of energy but if insulin is in short supply, or not working correctly, the body cannot use the glucose in the blood and is forced to look for another energy source, fat.
For diabetics the presence of ketones in the blood stream can be a sign of ketoacidosis which, if untreated, could result in coma and death. For this reason it is essential to monitor blood or urine to detect any signs of ketones. If there are ketones present you should contact your doctor immediately.
Who should monitor their ketones?
All type 1 diabetics should monitor their ketones regularly. Type
2 diabetics are less likely to suffer from the production of ketones but testing is still recommended in the following circumstances for all types of diabetics:
* When Blood glucose (sugar) is equal to or above 250 mg/dl or 14mmol/l for two consecutive tests
* When you are ill
* If you vomit or have diarrhoea
* during pregnancy
How to monitor ketones?
Ketones can be monitored via urine or blood. Blood ketone monitoring is the most accurate way to measure ketones and now a days can even be done at home with a ketone meter kit. The optium xceed meter and ketone strips can be used to check blood ketone levels and provides results fast. Urine ketone monitoring is less expensive and can be done using a simple urine dip stick such as ketostix. The urine measurement is less accurate and provides a delayed ketone production picture but is sufficient to indicate the presence of ketones in the body.
Interpreting ketone results
Normally the body only excretes a small amounts of ketones daily in the urine (3-15mg). People with diabetes who have high levels should contact their doctor straight away. High ketone levels can commonly be found in poorly controlled diabetes or in diabetic ketoacidosis. If the results show a small amount of ketones then take the following actions:
* Drink water every hour, and continue testing every three hours.
* Do not exercise.
* If your ketone levels do not fall after two tests contact your doctor.
* If your levels rise contact your doctor immediately.
How do I know if I have diabetic ketoacidosis?
If you have diabetic ketoacidosis you may have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, breathlessness and breath that smells of fruit (pears). If you have these symptoms contact your doctor immediately.
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