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Ketones, why?

Gaz-M

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,108
Location
Sunderland
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
baked beans
I've got a rising ketone level tonight, at 6.30pm blood sugar was 7.8mmol ketones 0.5 Ive drank water tested again at 8pm blood sugar was 8.0mmol and ketones were at 0.6. I don't feel very well and have had an upset stomach today so I,am guessing that this is causing the ketone level to be where it is. I will test again at 9.30 and if it has risen again I think I will be calling 111 and see what they say
 
If you have had DKA before and you are concerned, it's perfectly fine to ring 111 for advice, it is what they are there for.

For information, DAFNE sick day rules for <1.5 mmol/l ketones say:
- sip fluids
- test blood glucose and ketones every 4 hours
- usual long acting insulin - consider increasing by 1-2 u if I'll for more than a day
- usual quick acting ratios - consider correction even if not eating

If you aren't used to using sick day rules, 111 should be able to advise. Probably more sensible than getting advice off of a forum anyway!

Hope you aren't feeling too rough.
 
Gaz-M said:
I don't feel very well and have had an upset stomach today so I,am guessing that this is causing the ketone level to be where it is
Click to expand...

If you've not eaten due to the upset stomach then they could be starvation ketones, but just the same @Gaz-M follow the pump Sick Day Rules and if they do start to rise ring 111 (given your previous experience with DKA).
 
thank you all for the replies, will monitor the levels over night
 
Alot better thank you @Snapsy, alot of testing and an increased basal rate and plenty of water done the trick.
 
Sorry to hear you aren't well. My nurse told me a little trick to stop ketones for when you're sick and not eating, hold some fizzy lucazade in your mouth for then spit it out. It's just enough to stop the starvation ketones as some lucazade gets absorbed through the gums because of the bubbles in it. Since this advice, when I've had the sickness bug I've not had any ketones.
 
Gosh, that sounds like a useful tip!
 
good call, thank you
 
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