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Do I need to test ketones via blood & urine or just one or the other?

insulintree

insulintree

Newbie
Messages
2
Location
Wales
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
This is probably going to sound like a silly question, I'm still relatively new to all of this. When testing for ketones, do I need to test through both blood and urine, or just one of these?

Is it possible to have different readings for blood and urine ketones or are they both the same thing?

Hope that makes sense...
 
Yes makes sense, test blood over urine as urine is 3+hours behind the actual level in your body.

They are not the same - if they are the same reading that means your ketones have been at that level for a long time.
 
Why do you wish to test ketones? Is it to prevent DKA, or to control your diet?
 
I have never tested for ketones through urine and was diagnosed 14 years ago.
I have ketone strips for blood which I use very very occasionally when my BG is high but never seem more than 1.0 ketones.

I guess some people are more susceptible to ketones (maybe it's my diet?) but I believe you only have to test one rather than both. Otherwise, I would expect to have both on my prescription. In fact, I am surprised you have both options available.
 
ringi said:
Why do you wish to test ketones? Is it to prevent DKA, or to control your diet?
Click to expand...
The advice for me, having t1, is to test bloods when BG is very high to avoid DKA.
High BG and ketones leads to insulin resistance so it helps to know about the ketones to take extra insulin.
 
I was asking the reason as urine test strips don't work (after the first few weeks) if someone wants to confirm they have a low level of ketones to help with a very low carb diet.
 
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