By Adam Garcia
In diabetic dictionary today, we will discuss what a ketone is and what a ketone test will determine for a diabetic.
A ketone is a chemical produced when there is a shortage of insulin in the blood and the body breaks down body fat for energy. High levels of ketones can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis and coma. To understand better, you must understand that your body cells use sugar for energy. Insulin must be present for your body cells to use that sugar for energy. When there is not enough insulin present your cells cannot use sugar to obtain the energy they need. If your body cannot get energy from sugar, fat is used instead. When fat is broken down, ketones are made and, of course, ketones are strong acids that are harmful to your body.
A ketone test checks for the presence of ketones in an individual’s blood or urine. Although the urine test is used most often, it is less accurate than the blood test. The ketone test is recommended for diabetics who have experienced symptoms of illness such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. There is no special preparation for the test and there are few risks associated with both types of the test. It is possible for the results of the test to be influenced by medications and diet.
When should you test your urine for ketones? Well, if your blood sugar tests are higher than 250 mg/dL for two or more tests in a row or if you are feeling like your blood sugar is high, then do a urine ketone test. You may also want to do a test if you think you have an infection, you are throwing up or feel sick to your stomach, and/or if you feel ill or stressed.
If you have Type 1 diabetes, you should always have a supply of the strips used for urine ketone testing and know how to use them. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do urine ketone testing. If you are pregnant your doctor or nurse will tell you when to test your urine for ketones.
There are several products that can be used to test the urine for ketones. The test strips can be purchased at a pharmacy and usually do not require a prescription. Ketostix® test strips are commonly used for a ketone test. The urine ketone test will tell you whether you have no ketones present or if you have trace, small, moderate, or large ketones present. If your urine has moderate or large ketones present, call your doctor or nurse right away.
Most importantly, you must read the directions before doing the test and protect the test strips from damage that might change the results. You do this by not touching the test area of the strip or allow it to touch the table. Make sure that you protect the test strips from moisture, direct sunlight and heat and keep the test strips in a cool, dry place but do not store in the refrigerator. Do not remove desiccant (white packet in bottle) and replace the bottle cap promptly and tightly. Always check the expiration date on your test strips and do not use if the date has passed. Use the strips within 6 months after first opening the bottle and do not use test strips that have discolored. This is the best way to protect the test strips.
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