Thank-you for your reply. Do you mind if I ask how you know you are in ketosis ( what level does it say on your keto monitor?) thanks
Hayley, Mat (T1D) here again,
I got an Abbott Freestyle Libre which gave me the utility to see a continuous trace of glucose in my tissue and also allowed blood glucose testing and, importantly, blood ketone testing. I'd definitely advocate for blood ketone testing when following a ketogenic lifestyle.
On ketone levels this can be contentious. The usual point at which ketones rise in Type 1diabetes mellitus, as you no doubt know, is when we're eating as usual - carbs, fat, protein and processed foods - and yet we don't have enough insulin and can happen when I'll at the same time. In this case insulin is not present and I believe that, as the body cannot obtain energy from carbs, the body produces ketones as an energy source. As ketones rise in the blood stream, while blood glucose is high, that is when Diabetic Ketoacidosis occurs as both glucose and ketones are toxic at high levels, which can be fatal as you no doubt are aware.
The great thing about the ketogenic lifestyle is that I found that glucose levels are pretty much always below 6mmol/l and often lower. So, with few carbs and very little insulin, ketones rise - ote they are used for energy - and yet there is a much reduced chance of ketoacidosis. It is called nutritional ketosis for a reason and is not a disease state as I understand.
I would always advocate ringing the Diabetes Specialist Nurse to talk this over but if they are not familiar with it you may not get very far; could be the same problem with GPs and even dieticians and endocrinologists,
If I measured ketones as I used to measure glucose in blood I find it gave me confidence over time. My ketone levels were between 0.9mmol/l and 5.1mmol/l on measurement but can't tell you the unknown levels of course. I can tell you that he more activity I undertook the more my ketone level reduced.
I hope this helps people and message me if you want to discuss.