Urine checks for ketones are important when your diabetes is out of control or when you are sick. Ketone is a chemical produced when there is a shortage of insulin in the blood and the body breaks down body fat for energy. When Ketone is found in urine, it is a sign that your body is using fat for energy instead of using glucose because not enough insulin is available to use glucose for energy. Having Ketones in urine is more common in type 1 diabetes.
Ask your doctor or nurse when to check for ketones. You may be advised to check under the following conditions:
- Your blood glucose is more than 300 mg/dl
- You feel nauseated, are vomiting or have abdominal pain
- You are sick (for example, with a cold or flu)
- You feel tired all the time
- You are thirsty or have a very dry mouth
- Your skin is flushed
- You have a hard time breathing
- Your breath smells “fruity”
- You feel confused or “in a fog”
These can be signs of high ketone levels that require your doctor’s attention.
—Source: American Diabetes Association
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, September 2014
Share with Friend
