Diabetes and Ketones – Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment

Have you ever experienced a high level of ketones in your urine or blood? If yes, you must be aware that you are at risk of developing DKA (...

Have you ever experienced a high level of ketones in your urine or blood? If yes, you must be aware that you are at risk of developing DKA (diabetes ketoacidosis). 

Is it a life-threatening condition? Of course, it is, but with the continuous monitoring of ketones level, you can cope up with it.

In this article, we will discuss every aspect of ketones, like what are they? How to determine the signs and symptoms? We will also explain to you about the testing for ketones and tell you about how to deal with the increased level of ketones.

What are Ketones?

Ketones are the chemicals that your body produces as a result of the burning of fats. 

When your body goes through strenuous exercises, fasting, or a deficiency of carbohydrates, it typically utilizes ketones as an instant energy source. The ketones level might fall in your blood without causing any problem.

However, the increased level of ketones in the bloodstream is a warning sign. You must seek some medical help if you find the alleviated level of ketones. 

Your physician might give you advice about how to maintain the targeted level of ketones. 

If you have diabetes and inject insulin almost every day, your body consumes insulin to convert blood glucose into energy. 

Contrary to this, if you don't have a sufficient amount of insulin, your body will start to utilize fats as an energy source. When you begin to burn fats for energy, the liver will convert fats into ketones. 

The accumulation of high levels of ketones in the blood can develop acidity and result in a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). 

This can become serious, so you must know the warning signs of DKA. You also know its measurement and immediate treatment.

If you have type 1 diabetes mellitus, you are more prone to develop DKA than people having other types of diabetes. 

However, if you are a patient of type 2 diabetes mellitus and inject insulin daily, then you should consider the symptoms of DKA. 

DKA is also popular among individuals who don't have type 1 diabetes, particularly children. So if you are a parent and don't have sufficient knowledge about diabetes, you must do thorough research to know about it. 

Or the person who takes care of your child, like a teacher, should also be completely aware of diabetes and DKA.

When does the ketones level get high?

The human body primarily builds up ketones when it’s diabetic and forget to inject the recommended insulin dose. 

You need to know that sometimes a high level of insulin is important for the body. Also, the regular monitoring of blood sugar level is vital when,

1. You are feeling tired or sick.
2. You had undergone surgery.
3. You are bearing a child (means pregnant)
4. You are going through your monthly periods.

All of these times normally happen in our lives, so always remember that diabetes is always at your back. 

==>If you're battling your diabetes and seeking the complete keto diet plan, you can learn more here. 

Further, for managing your diabetes, you can also have access to our comprehensive article on ketosis.

What are the symptoms of ketones?

You must try everything to prevent the accumulation of ketones in your body. Keeping an eye on the rise of the ketone level is crucial. 

If you feel any of the following symptoms, immediately check for the ketones level in your urine and blood. Some of the symptoms of ketones that appear quickly are as follows;

1. Fruity odor in the breath (due to the high ketones level)
2. Alleviated blood glucose level (known as hyperglycemia)
3. Frequent visits to the toilet
4. Extreme thirst
5. Constantly feeling exhausted
6. Nausea and abdominal pain
7. Experience rapid breathing
8. Confusion or difficulty in paying attention  
9. Dizziness
10. Feeling sick

You might feel the appearance of these symptoms after 24 hours, but they appear sooner in reality. If you feel that you encounter any of the above symptoms or your little child has any of the signs, immediately discuss it with your GP or have a look at this educational video on ketosis. 

Building up the ketones in the body can lead to serious conditions. So to keep yourself healthy, the first step is to notice the symptoms. 

Then measure the ketones level and ask for medical help if the ketone monitor reads the very high value.

How do I test my ketones level?

Testing your ketones level via blood and urine might provide you the different results every time. At home, measuring the blood ketones level will provide you with real-time results, similar to checking blood glucose levels. 

Simultaneously, the urine level will interpret the level of ketones present in your body a few hours ago. 

Determine the ketones level in your blood 

An at-home ketone monitor is always available to measure the blood ketones level. This is performed in a similar way to a blood sugar test. You will use a lancet to prick your finger and drop blood onto the test strip.

Different types of ketone monitors are widely available in the market; seek your doctor's recommendations about the best one for you. 

If you live in the UK the NHS offers free ketone monitors to diabetics, so get yours if you have type 1 diabetes.

It's also important to know that some blood sugar monitors offer a facility for ketone measurement. So you can receive the dual benefits from only one device. Isn't it intriguing? 

Determine the ketones level in your urine

To perform your urine test for measuring the ketones level, you will need to get the right test strips from the drugstore. 

For the urine test, a monitor is not required; instead, you only want a clean container to pee. 

Dip the strip in the urine and wait for the change of color. Finally, compare the color of the test strip with the color chart and know your ketones level.  

What to do if your ketones are high?

 

The normal level of ketones in the blood may vary from person to person.

If your ketones level rises, you need to be aware of them because the high level might sign DKA. 

If you feel the symptoms of DKA, immediately reach the accident and emergency department of the nearby hospital. 

Because hospital treatment is essential if you can't go to the hospital, contact your physician or diabetics' team on call.

Whenever your ketones level gets alleviated, please don't ignore it and share it with us as we have a detailed video on DKA and the ketogenic diet. 

Have a look at that. If not, then speak to someone on our team and get the keto diet plan from our experts. 

You aren't alone in dealing with your diabetes; our support is always next to you.

Ketones and weight loss

As noted already, ketones build up as a result of the burning of fats. Therefore, when you shred, a significant amount of weight may have higher than the ketones' normal level. 

Some people, when they aim to lose weight, follow a keto diet. In a ketogenic diet, one has to consume a limited amount of carbs that lead to ketones' production in the bloodstream. 

This process is known as ketosis, not diabetic ketoacidosis, as the body does it when the blood is not acidic. 

However, when the ketones are produced, they make the blood more acidic, and because of the lack of insulin, the blood sugar level remains high. 

So before following the ketogenic diet, you must consult your diabetic team. 

If you have diabetes and want to lose weight, we have detailed information on the keto diet - a comprehensive guide on ketogenic diet. It may help you to reach your goals.

Where to get help?

If you are still doubtful about your health, worry not because you are not the only one going through this situation. 

Different people are facing the same problem. Read their experiences and check out our article to follow the keto diet and manage your diabetes.

If you are looking for more support, give us a call on our helpline. Our highly skilled nutritionists are available 24/7 to help you out. 

Whether you are struggling with diabetes or have a question for your acquaintances, we are here for you.