ketones

babySlon · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 10:14 AM

Are they something to worry about if BS in normal range?
can they be attributed to a weight loss?
thanks

princesslinda · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 10:22 AM

If you are dieting and eating very low carbs/high protein, you can spill ketones in your urine, just like you spill glucose when you blood sugar is high. I'd want to know the amount (small, moderate or large), as even a small amount would be considered abnormal, and a buildup could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (though they would have to be quite high for this to happen).

PERKDOUG · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 10:50 AM

Generally, Ketones are only a problem for type 1's. The type 1 condition is ketoacidosis and is brought on by high blood sugar and dehydration. It involves ketones but is a different condition.

princesslinda · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 11:06 AM

Would an insulin-dependent T2 be at risk for DKA?

PERKDOUG · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 01:44 PM

Yes, type 2's that have no natural insulin production could fall prey to DKA. These people are essentially type 1's. They got there by a different path. My mistake, for not pointing that out. Type 2's trying to overcome insulin resistance to loose weight using a very low carb diet should be at near zero risk, in my opinion. I find no warnings in the stuff I read.

RobiJo · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PERKDOUG

Type 2's trying to overcome insulin resistance to loose weight using a very low carb diet should be at no risk, in my opinion.

People who follow/followed the Adkins diet were advised to monitor ketone levels. Ketones are byproduct of burning glucose stores in fat and in the liver. Anyone can get them, diabetes or not, some are just at greater risk than others. I realize that Low-carb is not the same as No-Carb, but the risk is still there.

Even as a T1, I've never been prone to get them, even when high, sick, or both. At most I'd get "trace" amounts. My sister can get large amounts of them even with a common cold.

BlueSky · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 02:05 PM

Ketones are produced when fat is broken down. As fat s a major source of energy for all of us, we all produce ketones. Ketones are only produced in large quantities, which can be dangerous, when there is inadequate insulin. This is why it only becomes a problem for people who are totally dependent on injected insulin. Ketones produced because of low-carb eating and/or weight loss is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.