Testing for Ketones

[babySlon]

Should I be testing for Ketones?

[princesslinda]

I don't, but my blood sugars usually stay at a good level. If you are running consistently high blood sugars, it might not be a bad idea. Also, when people follow extremely low carb diets, they sometimes spill ketones.

If its something you're curious about, I say go for it, but if you're doing fine, I wouldn't be too concerned.

BTW, whenever your doc does a urinalysis, the dipstick checks for ketones.

[fgummett]

...whenever your doc does a urinalysis, the dipstick checks for ketones.Are you calling his Doctor a dipstick :rofl:

[princesslinda]

Good one Frank!:biggrin: Now I must go and clean the tea OFF my screen!

[xMenace]

Should I be testing for Ketones?If you often run with high sugars, yes.

[fgummett]

Canadian Diabetes Association 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines states... (http://www.diabetes.ca/cpg2003/chapters.aspx)Ketone testing is recommended for all people with type 1 diabetes during periods of acute illness, when preprandial BG levels are elevated (>14.0 mmol/L) and when symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), such as nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, are present. If all of these conditions are present, ketone testing should also be considered in those with type 2 diabetes, as DKA can occur in these individuals.

Testing methods that measure beta-hydroxybutyric acid (i.e. meter blood tests) may be preferred over those that measure acetoacetate or acetone (i.e. urine tests). During diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the equilibrium that is usually present between these ketone bodies shifts toward formation of beta-hydroxybutyric acid. Assays that do not measure beta-hydroxybutyric acid may underestimate total ketone levels. Blood tests that quantify beta-hydroxybutyric acid may be useful in monitoring the treatment of DKA, since acetoacetate or acetone may actually increase as beta-hydroxybutyric acid decreases with effective treatment.

Urine ketone test strips remain the most commonly used method for ketone testing; however, this method is prone to false positive and false negative results in certain circumstances and may provide a less accurate indication of ketoacidosis status.

[babySlon]

Are you calling his Doctor a dipstick :rofl:

Actualy... he is. So I found a new one. He is about 65 miles away, but a least he is a good doc.
It sounds like I don't need to test for ketones(knock on the wood 3 times, spit over left shoulder 3 times):)
Thanks guys

[mcgriff]

I asked the same question of my endo and he said only be concerned during sickness or runs of high BS. Pretty sure this echoes what others have said.

[Bevvie]

Hi all

Forgive me for being such an eejit but as far as Dr Atkins is concerned Ketones are good (tho I've only been dx for 10 weeks). Please explain this to me and also why they were always present whilst I was pregnant (a million years ago) and why no-one detected diabetes then???:confused:

[princesslinda]

Bevvie, simply put, ketosis occurs when your body breaks down fat for energy...generally our bodies break down carbs for energy. When people with diabetes start having large amounts of ketones in their urines, they run the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, an electrolyte imbalance which can, if left untreated, be fatal.

It is common to notice ketones in the really low carb diets, but I don't think these are the same level as those with ketoacidosis....and ANYONE can have ketones, not just diabetics.

[Bevvie]

Hi PrincessLinda

Thanks so much for that - I really didn't get it til now. That's the beauty of the forums I never feel silly asking questions even though I know many subscribers know this stuff already.

Thanks

[princesslinda]

Bev, none of us think of these things until we're diagnosed...then we have a million questions. Amazing how much we care when it becomes personal!

I remember doing the Atkin's diet at one point and being so excited when the urine dipstick turned dark purple meaning I was in ketosis...:o Now, i'd worry myself to death.

I love the forums...I don't think i've ever asked a question that someone didn't have the answer to. And i'm always tickled when I can actually answer some questions as well.

Its a journey...and we get much further together. You should go and look at some of the Senior Member's first posts...it makes me feel good to read some of my initial posts and to see how far i've came from the petrified and depressed princess who showed up here not so long ago.

[BrianSCohen]

babySlon,

As long as your blood sugar levels are reasonably well controlled (always < 200 mg/dL) you are not at risk of the condition Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). The keto strips can test for the presence of ketones in your urine. Excess ketone levels in your blood are naturally expelled un your urine. I regularly use keto strips (ketostix), but not to check for DKA.

I use the ketostix to check my adherence to my diet. As long as I keep my carbs low, I will be in ketosis, and my body will be producing ketones for energy. This shows up as trace amounts in the tests. I almost never get high levels (purple), although some do. Even on a near zero carb diet, high in fat, I just produce trace, and I seem to just dump out all the extra fat. When I go above about 100g of carbs for more than a day or so, I'll drop out of ketosis. The ketostix don't lie. If I've not been diligent, it will start to show up.

Bottom line, as an uncontrolled diabetic, keto strips can detect an emergency condition. However, since you are taking care of yourself, you will never be at risk of DKA and should not worry out testing. Right?

[IrishJoe]

but you can also get ketones if you are ill as your sugars increase meaning you need more insuling but if yo're not taking enough then you can become KA