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Ketone Testing
American Diabetes Services, a leading supplier for diabetic testing supplies, offers information on different types of testing for individuals with diabetes. This sections explains another method of diabetic testing, checking for ketones in urine.
Ketones (beta-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid, and acetone) are the end-product of rapid or excessive fatty acid breakdown. Ketones show in the urine, when the blood levels surpass a certain threshold. Fatty acid release from adipose tissue is stimulated by a number of hormones including glucagon, epinephrine, and growth hormone. The levels of these hormones are increased in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and a number of other conditions.
When should I test for ketones in my urine?
Your health care team will tell you when you should test for ketones in your urine. It is also a good idea to consider ketone testing if:
- Your blood sugar is 250 mg/dL or higher for two tests in a row
- You are sick (even with a cold) because being sick can cause you to have ketones in your urine.
- You are vomiting or have diarrhea
- You are under stress or are upset
- You are pregnant
What do I do if my ketone test is positive?
If the results of ketone testing show trace or small amounts of ketones in your urine:
- Drink a glass of water every hour.
- Do blood sugar and ketone testing every 3 to 4 hours.
- If your blood sugar is higher than 250 mg/dL and you have ketones in your urine, DO NOT exercise. Also, be sure to contact your health care team.
- If your blood sugar and ketone test results are NOT going down after two tests, call you health care team.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Ketoacidosis can quickly develop into a very serious problem if left untreated. Be sure to contact your health care professional if ketone testing results stay high or if you have any of the early signs of diabetic ketoacidosis. Early signs of DKA include:
- Pain in your stomach
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Fruity smelling breath
Ketone Test Strips
There are several different kinds of ketone test strips. The two most common test strips are:
- Ketostix Reagent Strips - for urine ketone testing only
- Keto-Diastix Reagent Strips - for testing urine for blood sugar and ketones
(Ask your doctor which is best for you.)
American Diabetes Services wants to advise you that your ketone test strips may be covered by your insurance. Please fill out our form so we can help you find out if your insurance coverage handles ketone testing supplies. When you contact American Diabetes Services, let us know that ketone test strips is one of the items you need assistance with.
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