ketones, type 2

Hi Faye,

Ketones are produced when the body is forced to burn fat rather than carbs to fuel itself. Therefore anyone, diabetic or not, could produce ketones when on a strict diet or even just overnight when they haven't eaten since the day before. These are often called 'starvation' ketones.

Ketones become problematic for diabetics who have too little (or no) insulin circulating in their bloodstreams. Under these circumstances the blood starts to turn acidic as the ketone levels (and usually blood glucose levels) rise. This leads to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is extremely dangerous and can kill within hours. As you are a Type 2, I would think that you are at very low risk of developing DKA. As the mum of two Type 1's, I'm not sure about Metformin, I think it sensitises your body to the insulin that your body is still producing, so should not really impact on your risk of DKA, but hopefully some knowledgeable Type 2 will be along to answer that question soon.

Your blood glucose rising will not in itself lead to ketones being produced, that will only happen if you have far too little insulin. I hope this helps.
Sue

You're welcome! I hope someone who knows more about Type 2 comes along to answer your query about Metformin.
Sue

Lactose, which you asked about too is milk sugar.It's chemical structure is similar to glucose. It does raise blood sugar.Ketones are the breakdown products of fats and in themselves not dangerous, exccept in extreemely high concentrations. Slimmers on the Atkins diet check to make sure they are producing ketones and thus "burning" fat. Atkins dieters will have low blood glucose, because the diet is almost carb free. DKA is a life threatening condition which arises when a diabetic has no insulin, with which to process glucose in the blood. the Bg rises and ketones are produced as the body burns fats. The kidneys work harder to eliminate the ketones and the patient becomes severely dehydrated. It's the dehydration which is deadly.

Dear icedgem
Metformin is a very safe medicine. It does upset the digestion of about half the people who take it, but it works and is worth adapting tto. If you can't keep your numbers down without it, Take it!! It won't hurt ou