Ketone warning

[Inchindown]

My sugar levels have been over 20 mmol for most of today. Unfortunately I gave into my binge eating urges.

The level is slowly falling, and is now at 18 mmol.

My blood meter has been giving me what it describes as a "Ketone Warning".

Can someone please explain what this means, and what I should do about it.

Thanks.

 

[xfieldok]

Do you have any keytone strips?

 

[Inchindown]

I'm afraid not.

Do you have any keytone strips?

 

[xfieldok]

Then phone 111 for advice, now.

 

[Goonergal]

Hi @Inchindown

Because your BG levels are high, your meter is suggesting that you test for ketones - high blood glucose levels combined with high ketone levels can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Your profile suggests you’re type 2 using diet control only. If that’s correct, then DKA is very unlikely, but it would be wise to check your ketone levels. See this article for more details: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/diabetic-ketoacidosis.html

If you have access to a meter and strips that can test for ketones, you should use that to see whether you have ketones in your blood. Otherwise I’d suggest checking with your GP.

If you’re on any glucose lowering medication then you should call 111 for advice.

 

[DCUKMod]

My sugar levels have been over 20 mmol for most of today. Unfortunately I gave into my binge eating urges.

The level is slowly falling, and is now at 18 mmol.

My blood meter has been giving me what it describes as a "Ketone Warning".

Can someone please explain what this means, and what I should do about it.

Thanks.

Inchindown - When your numbers go very high, some meters highlight it being worthwhile testing for ketones, as high blood sugars, plus ketones can be a sign of ketoacidosis - ether present or potential. To be clear: it doesn't mean you necessarily have ketones, or ketoacisdosis.

For those on some medications, the presence of ketones is red flag.

How are you feeling at the moment? Unwell at all?

As others have suggested, safety first. Please put a call in to 111.

 

[Mr_Pot]

You can seek medical advice as others have said but meanwhile you can reduce your BG by eating no carbs, drinking a litre of water, and doing some exercise.

 

[Inchindown]

Thanks.

I'm not on any diabetes medication.

I felt a little unwell around 3pm this afternoon. That was about 5 hours after the binge. As of now I'm feeling quite well.

My sugar level is still falling. It's gone down by 2.1 mmol in the last hour.

Inchindown - When your numbers go very high, some meters highlight it being worthwhile testing for ketones, as high blood sugars, plus ketones can be a sign of ketoacidosis - ether present or potential. To be clear: it doesn't mean you necessarily have ketones, or ketoacisdosis.

For those on some medications, the presence of ketones is red flag.

How are you feeling at the moment? Unwell at all?

As others have suggested, safety first. Please put a call in to 111.

 

[DCUKMod]

Thanks.

I'm not on any diabetes medication.

I felt a little unwell around 3pm this afternoon. That was about 5 hours after the binge. As of now I'm feeling quite well.

My sugar level is still falling. It's gone down by 2.1 mmol in the last hour.

Keep watching it, but if you feel unwell at all, please just give 111 a call.

 

[Resurgam]

Maybe try to drink a couple of cups of water, it might help,

 

[Inchindown]

Just checked my sugar level before going to bed.

Good news, it's almost back to normal at 7.5 mmol.

I've really got to work harder in avoiding the binge eating.