Ketones. What are they and when do they test?

As a diabetic, you measure your blood sugar levels periodically and insulin may also be administered based on this measurement. But every diabetic should also be wary of one ketoacidosis (more info) and the amount of ketones in the blood. Ketone levels are being measured more and more often and manufacturers of glucose meters are of course responding to this.

What are ketones?

A body needs energy to live and move. Everything you eat is converted in the stomach and intestines into glucose, the body's fuel. Insulin allows cells to convert glucose into energy. People with diabetes must manually inject insulin so that the glucose can be converted into energy. When there is too little insulin available to convert glucose, the body will use fats. At that moment, ketones are released. Ketones are waste products that are released when fats are broken down. If there are too many ketones in the blood, this waste product can lead to ketoacidosis. This literally acidifies the blood and causes organs and other bodily functions to fail. Early detection of ketoacidosis is therefore very important for everyone with diabetes.

You can test for ketones. 'Dual' meters are increasingly coming onto the market with which you can measure both glucose and ketones. Examples are the Diatesse XPER en CareSens Dual meter.

When to measure ketones?

There is no set time or period when you should take measurements, but you should pay close attention to the symptoms below. If you - as a diabetic - experience problems, it is recommended to measure ketones:

• Thirst and frequent urination
• Dry mouth
• Breath that smells like acetone (sweet apple or nail polish)
• Abdominal pain and nausea
• Blurred vision
• Feeling dazed

What does the result of a measurement say?

A result below 0,6 mmol/L means you have a normal ketone level.

At 0,6 between 1,5 mmol/L you have an increased ketone level. Fat is burned, we then speak of ketosis. For example, during or after exercise, but you do have a risk of insulin deficiency. There is no reason for alarm yet, but pay attention. Drink plenty of water, eat regularly in small portions, inject some extra insulin and test again later.

A result between 1,6 and 3,0 mmol/L is worrying. You then have a high level of ketones with a risk of ketoacidosis. Contact a healthcare provider immediately for advice. Call the emergency services immediately if you have a result above 3,0 mmol/L and especially if you have vomited.

Glucose meters that also measure ketones