testing for ketones in urine

[marmalade]

hi all,

Do diabetics especially insulin taking diabetics test their ketone urine levels. I know I did during my last pregnancy 10 years ago and used to have large ketones in urine but I've never been asked to test since. I know my kidney function is fine. Some friends of mine do test so I'm a little confused. thanks

 

[ham79]

I am type 1 and use the blood and urine (urine just to dble check)

 

[glitterzoe]

Hi marmalade
yes some diabetics do test for ketones (I do as when I am ill I get traces of them and if I dont keep them in check I end up with thrush) ketones are when your body starts breaking down fat, you drink more exesivly and find yourself tired (just like when you are first diagnosed). If you dont keep an eye on these levels it can be bad, but dont worry they are easly flushed away with lots of water (if they are low-medium) if you find that they are high and so are your bloods then the best bet would be to go to the docs or the hospital as sometimes you need help to bring them down and get rid. I hope this was helpful, the main thing is not to worry too much and ask your doctor about getting some strips.

 

[Shazza]

We were told to test for ketones if bs higher than 15 for 3 readings in a row.

 

[hanadr]

Ketones are produced when fat is broken down, so strict low carb dieters often test for ketones just to check the diet is working and they are losing fat.
In diabetics, ketones are also produced when fat is broken down. However if this happens because the system is short of insulin, it can be dangerous.
Thus ketones with low/normal bg are harmless, but with high BG can be a warning that ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition, is beginning.
That means that consistent high sugars with ketones are a BAD THING Low sugar and ketones is NO WORRY
In addition, The ketones in your urine will have been accumulating all the time since you last emptied your bladder, which could be several hours. That can't give you an early warning.
the advice to check for ketones after 3 high BG readings makes sense.
SO to sum up. Ketones +low BG~ don't worry
Ketones + high BG ~ get to A&E
Hana

 

[totsy]

totally agree with hanadr, i rarely check mine as i rarely go into double numbers

 

[hawalkden]

I was diagnosed with Type One in March 2009. I never knew about ketones in urine; all I heard about it was it shouldn’t be in your body and I only overheard it when I got diagnosed. It was only when I got admitted into hospital Feb 2010 with DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) and I went into a Diabetic Coma and I was on a ventilator for a week and a half. I think the main reason I went into a Coma was because I haven’t been educated about ways to prevent high blood sugars and injections.
When I got out of hospital my GP and Diabetic Specialist Nurse asked me about Ketonesticks Testers. I just looked at her and said I’ve never heard of them; she was a little shocked and she put them straight onto my prescription and she sent a letter the my GP about why they hadn’t been up on. I think everyone with diabetes should have then on their prescription; they are only 50p for the NHS to order for 3 bottles which last 3months.
Ever since I’ve been out of hospital I have been checking my bloods and get a little nervous when I see there low but my Ketones are high but I know it’s okay ill just a little more insulin and have a light snack.

 

[Dollyrocker]

I was given a pot of sticks to test my urine about 3 years ago, that was the first time in 15 years of being diabetic.

The dog gopt hold of them a week later and chewed them up :lol: (luckily he lost interest once he'd got through the container so he was fine )

I get tested at the surgery/diabetes centre every 6 months so I don't tend to worry about it too much