Ketones without the "HI"

[zookeeper671]

I'm wondering why I'm producing a large amount of ketones when my bs readings (<-- lol, kinda funny) are within the normal range.

Looked online for possible causes, and came up with:

* Metabolic abnormalities, including uncontrolled diabetes or glycogen storage disease (My last CBC didn't alert to such.)
* Abnormal nutritional conditions, including starvation, fasting, anorexia, high protein or low carbohydrate diets (I'm on a diet, have lost a lot of weight, but I'm definitely not "starving" or "fasting." As for carbs, well... went out to eat last night and ordered a pasta dish. [Shame on me. lol])
* Protracted vomiting, including hyperemesis gravidarum (Nope.)
* Disorders of increased metabolism, including hyperthyroidism, fever, acute or severe illness, burns, pregnancy, lactation or post-surgical condition
(Nope nope nope nope nope nope and nope.)
* isopropanol ingestion
* ketoacidosis of alcoholism (Nope nope and nope, again.)

So what's up? Anyone else have this happen to them? I have mild kidney disease and a large cyst in my left kidney, but I don't think that's the cause. The only reason I can think of is my diet or weight loss... even though I'm not starving or severely restricting carbs.

It's just so weird. :confused:

[HeatherP]

Hi Angie,

How are you feeling? I can understand your concern. What exactly is your b/s level? I think you can start producing ketones over 240, but I'm not completely sure. Are the keto-strips you're using unexpired and uncontaminated? Did you ck more than once? I hope you are able to find an answer.

Take care,
HeatherP

[lgvincent]

I've always thought ketones were produced when the body burns it's own fat stores, so I thought when a person is losing weight they will have high ketones. Is it possible it's coming from the weight loss?

[am1977]

Angie,

I think that it probably is your diet, at least that's my guess :p . Out of curiosity, are you eating primarily protein, or are you also eating a good amt. of carbs as well (I know you had pasta last nite, but in general do you eat carbs?). B/c the whole Atkins, and many other fad diets, are based on just eating protein...which I'm sure you know already. But the goal in those diets is to produce ketones..that's a way to show you are burning up your fat stores. However for diabetics, it's not such a safe things to do. Even if you aren't doing the hi protein diet, it could be just that you are still burning fat, hence the ketones.

The only other thing that comes to mind is that you may be getting sick. I think I have read that illness that leads to dehydration and that kind of thing can bring on ketones. It doesn't sound like you are feeling ill, so this probably isn't the reason.

If this continues, I would contact your doctor (just to be safe). I'm sure he or she will provide you with more insight than most likely we can.

Keep us posted ;)

[docta-docta]

As the other posters have said, eating a low-carb diet will show ketones. Everyone produces ketones, 24 hours a day, so their presence should not be alarming.

However, you said that you have a high amount present. On a relative scale, what is "high"? Are you doing a colormetric assay or a blood test? If you're doing a colormetric assay on a test strip, make sure that the strip has not expired and that moisture has not entered the vial, or else dipping the strip in pure fresh water will indicate high ketones in your drinking water. :)

People on "Atkins"-like diets will also show a moderate level of ketones. Also, if you haven't eaten in several hours, energy is found in the body's fat.

Your urine will have a "sweet smell" to it when ketones are high. Some people don't even bother with ketone tests because they can sniff out the smell, but personally, I'd suggest using the strips for a qualitive test. :)

[zookeeper671]

Hi guys, thanks for your replies. :)

As the other posters have said, eating a low-carb diet will show ketones. Everyone produces ketones, 24 hours a day, so their presence should not be alarming.
I'm not really alarmed by the keytones... just a bit confused. lol

However, you said that you have a high amount present. On a relative scale, what is "high"? Are you doing a colormetric assay or a blood test? If you're doing a colormetric assay on a test strip, make sure that the strip has not expired and that moisture has not entered the vial, or else dipping the strip in pure fresh water will indicate high ketones in your drinking water. :)
Yeah, I thought about that, so I tested with 2 different containers of strips, two different times.

People on "Atkins"-like diets will also show a moderate level of ketones. Also, if you haven't eaten in several hours, energy is found in the body's fat.
I would say I watch my carbs, but I'm pretty far from "Atkin's-like." :o

However for diabetics, it's not such a safe things to do. Even if you aren't doing the hi protein diet, it could be just that you are still burning fat, hence the ketones.
Burning fat... guess I shouldn't be complaining! lol

Is it possible it's coming from the weight loss?
I'm thinking you're right and this may be the cause. I've been eating small meals, with snacks in between, but I have absolutely no appetite at all. I have to set a repeat alarm to remind me to eat. Sometimes all I can get down is a "SlimFast Optima" shake and some fruit for a meal. Needless to say, I've lost over 20 pounds without trying in about a month and half.

How are you feeling? I can understand your concern. What exactly is your b/s level?
I'm actually feeling pretty cruddy. Most of the time I have a headache, backache and feel unsteady (have two huge bruises on my arm from walking into a wall, and a gash on my thumb from when I fell onto my bf's exercise "thingy"). Often I feel as thought I'm severely hypo (start sweating, feel warm, shakey, pukey), but when I check my bs it reads around normal, like 78 or 82. I've had some bad hypos lately, so I'll be doing some adjustments with the insulins. The only real "hyper" I had was a bs reading of 471 on Jan. 15th after I made an uncontrolled attempt at treating a hypo.

I need to see the endo again soon, anyhow, so I'll mention the ketones to her. She'll probably already know due to the results of another 24 hour urine "catch" I'll be doing. I have a "worrysome" amount of protein in my urine (proteinuria) that she's been keeping track of for a while now. (This will be my third "catch"... getting pretty tired of 'em.) Since my blood pressure is low (100/70), she can't prescribe an ACE inhibitor which could give my kidneys a little helping hand.

*Alarm went off* Time to eat an apple. lol

[HeatherP]

Hang in there Angie, I'm sure there's an answer. I'm sorry that it seems so complicated. As far as your kidneys go and the Atkins thing - protein is very hard on the kidneys. If you're having a problem you should start thinking about reducing the amount you eat. I know that protein comes from two sources, one animal and another one. I don't know if one is easier on the kidneys or not, but you might want to ask a professional.

I hope to hear you're doing better soon!
Heather

[zookeeper671]

Called my doc later on today.

She would like me to go inpatient again, which just isn't an option for me at this time. She suspects I'm dehydrated, not taking in adequate nutrients, etc.

Since my bf is on a brief out of town business trip... and since it's probably better if I'm not alone... I'll be making a visit to my parents' place for a while as of tomorrow (dog and ferret in tow).

If anyone can entice me to eat and drink, it's definitely my parents. lol

[HeatherP]

Have your blood levels been checked for vitamin deficiencies? I don't absorb vitamin B.