When too little insulin is present, your body cannot use glucose for energy. It is then forced to break down fat for energy. Your body produces ketones (acids) and releases them into the blood and urine. When people with Type 1 diabetes do not take enough insulin, especially in times of stress or illness, ketones are produced.

Why Check Ketones?

• Ketones warn that diabetes may be out of control.
• Large amounts of ketones in blood cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Call your doctor if your urine shows ketones and your blood glucose is over 240 mg/dl (13.3 mmol/L). If your urine shows large amounts of ketones, call your provider regardless of your blood glucose value.

When to Test Ketones?
Check urine ketones whenever your blood glucose is over 240 mg/dl (13.3 mmol/L) or if you feel ill. If your urine shows ketones and your blood glucose is above 240 mg/dl (13.3 mmol/L), begin following your sick day guidelines and call your doctor.

How to Test Ketones?
You can buy ketone test strips at your pharmacy. To use them, place the strip in the middle of your urine stream. Compare the color change of the strip to the chart on the bottle.

Reprinted with permission from: InfoDek® © Copyright 2002