Contents:
- Medical Video: How To Test Blood Sugar | How To Use Glucometer | How To Check Blood Glucose | (2018)
- Get to know ketones
- Are ketones a sign of health problems?
- When should I do the test?
Medical Video: How To Test Blood Sugar | How To Use Glucometer | How To Check Blood Glucose | (2018)
Besides glucose, the body has ketones as a reserve of energy fuel. Ketone is one of the complications in people with diabetes, called diabetic ketoacidosis. What is a ketone? What is the connection with diabetes?
Get to know ketones
Ketones are acids that are made when your body starts using fat, not carbohydrates, for energy. When the body does not have insulin to supply sugar from the blood into cells, the body uses fat as energy.
When fat is broken down, ketones are made that can accumulate in the body. The high level of ketones can be toxic to the body, this condition is called ketoacidosis.The most vulnerable ketones occur when there is not enough insulin in the body.
Ketones are things that can happen if people have type 1 diabetes and don't use insulin or don't use enough insulin to meet higher needs, such as during illness, stress, or when blood flow is blocked.
This can also happen to people with type 2 diabetes who lack insulin when they are sick. You may have ketones without ketoacidosis if the food you eat is low in carbohydrates or very low in calories and nutrients.
Are ketones a sign of health problems?
If your blood sugar is safe and you lose weight, the presence of ketones may not be a problem. However, if you have diabetes, it is important for you to monitor your ketone and blood glucose levels; even when you lose weight.
A ketone is a condition that must be monitored through a test after several hours to see whether the number has changed or not. If it does rise dramatically, check with your doctor.
The amount of medium to high ketone levels can indicate that your diabetes is out of control. As part of a diabetes care program, you and your doctor should plan what will be done immediately if your ketone level is high. However, if you don't know what to do, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
High ketone levels can be a dangerous sign of risk. Because ketones can change the chemical balance in your blood. If not treated, ketoacidosis can cause diabetes coma or even death. Symptoms of ketoacidosis can be difficult to recognize (symptoms like flu or stomach virus). If left alone, undiagnosed and untreated, ketones are substances that can poison the body.
When should I do the test?
Ketones generally can be tested through your urine. Your doctor may help you understand that it is important to check ketones, and suggest ketone tests based on your history and health condition. Usually, it is recommended that you test ketones every time:
- Your blood glucose is above 300
- Your skin is red or lost in color
- You experience vomiting, nausea, or abdominal pain
- You experience illness, infection, and injury that can cause high blood glucose suddenly
- You feel lethargic (helpless) and dazed
- You have a normal dry or thirsty mouth that is not normal
- You have difficulty breathing
- Breath odor
Pregnant women are recommended to take a ketone test every morning before breakfast at any time with a blood sugar test with a number above 200.
If you experience one or more of these conditions, check your ketone level. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist, your ketone level is above average or high, or you begin to experience other problems.
