Ketones Urine Test
If the ketones tests reveal the presence of ketones in your urine, it is an indication that fat instead of glucose is being used for energy, probably because there is insufficient insulin to absorb all the glucose into the cells. The presence of ketones in urine commonly occurs in type l diabetes.
When do I test?
Consult your medical practitioner when you should have a test for ketones. You may be told to have your urine tested for ketones under the following situation:
- You feel the urge to vomit, are already vomiting, or experience pain in the abdomen.
- Your blood sugar exceeds 300 mg/dL.
- You are ill (for example, the common cold or influenza).
- You are tired throughout the day.
- You feel thirsty or your mouth is very dry.
- Your skin looks redder than usual.
- You have difficulty breathing, you have a fruity smelling breath.
- You are unable to think clearly.
All the above are possible signs of high ketone levels which require the attention of your doctor.
How To Test For Ketones? -Video Guide
How to do the test?
A Urine tests can be easily done, but to have the right results, you need do everything according to the directions. Check to see the strip’s date of expiry. Read and understand whatever is written on the strips. Make sure you know how to check for ketones correctly by going over the steps to be taken with the help of your medical practitioner or nurse.
The following are the steps to take in urine tests.
- Collect some of your urine in a corner which is clean.
- Put a strip into your urine. (You can wet a strip with your urine while urinating.)
- Shake the strip gently to remove excess urine from the strip.
- Wait until you see a color change on the strip pad. The directions will inform you of the time for waiting.
- Compare the color on the strip pad with the colors on the color chart given on the strip bottle. In this chart, you will be given a range indicating the quantity of ketones found.
- Write down the results for recording purposes.
Understanding The Test Results
Trace or small amounts of ketones indicate that the accumulation of ketones is just beginning. Another urine test should be done two or three hours later. Moderate/Large amounts are an indication of danger. Your blood’s chemical balance has been jeopardized and the body is in danger of being poisoned. Do not exercise when your urine test result shows moderate/large amounts of ketones and the level of your blood sugar is high. They are indications that you have lost control of your diabetes. Consult your medical practitioner immediately if the result of your urine test is moderate/large amounts of ketones.
Recording your results and everything connected to your diabetes is necessary. The information on your ketones tests in your record can assist your medical practitioner and your diabetes educator in planning for better diabetes management for you.
Tips
- Check for ketones by doing a urine test.
- Keep a record of all the results of your urine tests and inform your medical practitioner as soon as possible if your test indicates moderate to large amounts of ketones.
- Consult a medical professional to find out when to check for ketones and get to know the symptoms of raised blood glucose levels.