Worried about Ketones

[John321uk]

Hello everyone thanks for letting me join,
I have been type 2 diabetic for over 20 year, readings usually 5/13.
but now it is 14 Ketones ( not heared of them before)
phone up Doctor who can’t see me for 2 weeks, he said it’s ok as long as not to low.
No reassurance ther, I’m really worried my age is 75.
thank you

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome.

The word "Ketones" comes up on your blood glucose meter when your levels get above 13 to remind you to test for ketones. This is usually done with Ketostix that you dip in your urine. The meter itself does not read ketones, so your ketones are not at 14.... which would be extremely scary and probably fatal, it is just that because your BG levels have hit 14, it might be a good idea to test for ketones, which can develop at higher BG levels and cause problems.
If your levels are not consistently in the mid teens then it shouldn't be a problem and as a Type 2 diabetic, you are less likely to develop ketones at high BG levels than a Type 1 diabetic but not totally unheard of either, so it might be worth getting some Ketostix so that you can test if this happens again. If your GP or nurse won't prescribe them, then you can buy them over the counter in a pharmacy for about £5 for a pot of 50. They might need to order them in for you, but worth having then in case you need them because if ketones develop, they can be very dangerous. I am Type 1 and have never has them despite my levels being consistently in the mid teens at diagnosis and went up to 27 at one stage. Having Ketostix so that you can test if you need to is a bit of an insurance policy I suppose.

 

[Inka]

Welcome @John321uk Sorry to hear you’re worried. @rebrascora has given good advice above. If you want to put your mind at ease, buy a pot of Ketostix. They’re simple to use and to read. A blood sugar of 14 is a bit high but not horribly so. Hopefully that level will drop down a bit anyway.

Are you on any medication for your diabetes?

The important thing to take away from Rebrascora’s post is that the meter is not saying you have ketones. It’s suggesting you might want to do a test to see if you do have them. That suggestion is automatically generated by the meter and isn’t a comment on your health. I completely understand why you’re worried, but I hope you’re reassured a little now.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @John321uk

Sorry to hear your GP wasn't able to offer much support or put your mind at rest

Do you know why your levels are rising recently? Might it be worth booking an appointment with your GP to chat things through?

Some times people’s diabetes just changes over time and a review of menu and meds can be helpful from time to time.