Ketones

[Mark T]

Just because I was concerned about something, I obtained a pot of ketostix (urine strips). I was wondering what would be considered normal levels on these.

From what I understand, testing first thing in the morning is likely to lead to false positives. Also, if you are on a low carb diet and do exercise then that will also produce some level of ketones and that I should discount if I see Neg, Trace or + on the stix (as that’s fairly normal).

What I could find out suggested that the best time to test would be following a meal which included carbohydrate. If I get a ++ or higher then I’d re-test to make sure it goes down. Is there any other time that is worth testing?

If I start getting ++ or above but my BG’s are not horrifically raised (say, they are lower then 10), would I still mention that to the nurse? The instructions on the pot seem to hint that +++ and ++++ regardless of BG level are not ideal.

 

[trophywench]

I cannot answer your questions with any accuracy Mark - but that's the problem with urine testing strips overall - they aren't all that accurate anyway. However if you have higher levels of ketones then I assume (but don't know for a fact) that 'sick day rules' apply. Do you have any such rules? Do people not using insulin get any?

 

[stephknits]

You are quite right, a low carb diet and / or intense exercise or starvation will lead to a low levels of ketones in anyone. I had an emergency bowel op the other year and basically didn't eat for 5 days. My ketones were around 6, however my blood glucose levels were normal. I was not in ketoasidosis, as the ketones were due to starving and once I was able to eat again they came down fairly quickly

 

[Mark T]

I think T2's just get told to drink lots of water on a sick day and keep taking the med's.

I was interested because I've generally been categorised as a Type 2 that produces not enough insulin rather then a Type 2 that has lots of insulin resistance. I was wondering if there was any evidence that my high levels are more due to a lack of insulin rather then bad insulin.

However, I have lowered the amount of carb in my diet in order to try bring things back into line - I'm not quite low carbing, but I'm the closest I've been for some years! I just need to identify a few more substitutions and I'll be there. So that could be causing some of the things I'm seeing.

 

[trophywench]

Well give us a clue Mark - what things do you need to find substitutions for? Someone on here will have found a lower carb substitute, I bet!

 

[Martin Canty]

The following chart provides some insight.....

 

[Mark T]

Well give us a clue Mark - what things do you need to find substitutions for? Someone on here will have found a lower carb substitute, I bet!

I'll put that on a different thread I think - I'm very sure I'll get a few ideas!