The color will estimate the concentration of ketones in your urine. Remember to record your results! Talk to your doctor immediately if your urine results show moderate or large amounts of ketones.
This is a sign that your diabetes is out of control, or that you are getting sick. If you are unable to reach your diabetes care team, head for the emergency room or an urgent care facility. Share the notes from your log, as this important data will provide clues as to how to treat you and adjust your diabetes management plan.
Small or trace amounts of ketones may mean that ketone buildup is starting. You should increase your intake of fluids water is best and take other steps to get your blood sugar levels in check. You should test again in a few hours. Call your doctor if the levels increase. Exercise is often a good way to bring down high blood sugar—but not when ketones are present. Never exercise when your urine checks show moderate or large amounts of ketones and your blood sugar is high.
It helps your body switch its main fuel source from glucose — a type of sugar — to ketones — compounds made by breaking down fat that serve as an alternative fuel source 1. A ketogenic diet not only helps you lose weight but is also linked to numerous benefits, such as increased levels of HDL good cholesterol and reduced blood sugar, insulin, and triglyceride levels 2 , 3.
However, some people find that it takes them much longer to enter ketosis than others. To reap the benefits of a ketogenic diet, your body must enter a state called ketosis.
This is a metabolic state in which your body converts fat into molecules called ketones, which it uses as its main source of energy when glucose — a type of sugar —is limited 4.
In your digestive tract, carbs are broken down into sugar molecules — such as glucose — so they can travel across the bloodstream and be used for energy.
If your body has excess glucose, it can be stored in your liver and muscles in its storage form, glycogen. By drastically reducing your carb intake to under 50 grams per day, your body is forced to use up its glycogen stores for energy — and eventually, switch to using ketones as fuel 5. The time it takes to enter ketosis varies from person to person 6 , 7. In general, it takes 2—4 days if you eat 20—50 grams of carbs per day. However, some people may find it takes a week or longer to reach this state 6 , 7 , 8.
Some factors that can affect how long it takes to enter ketosis include your typical daily carb intake, your daily fat and protein intake, exercise, your age, and your metabolism. For example, people who typically consume a high-carb diet before starting a keto diet may take longer to enter ketosis than those who generally eat a low-to-moderate carb diet.
This is because your body needs to deplete its glycogen stores before entering ketosis 5. It typically takes 2—4 days to enter ketosis if you eat fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day. However, some people may take longer depending on factors like physical activity level, age, metabolism, and carb, fat, and protein intake.
There are three types of ketones — acetoacetate, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyrate — that you can measure through your urine, breath, and blood, respectively. Acetoacetate levels can be measured through your urine with a ketone urine strip, which turns various shades of pink or purple depending on the ketone level of your urine. Darker colors typically mean that your urine contains higher levels 9 , Acetone levels can be measured with a ketone breath meter, such as a Ketonix.
Studies show that ketone breath meters are fairly accurate Beta-hydroxybutyrate levels are measured using a blood ketone meter, which works similarly to a glucometer — a tool that measures blood glucose levels at home. Some dietitians recommend a keto diet for people with type 2 diabetes. With this condition, the body still produces some insulin, but it does not work as effectively.
Those with type 2 diabetes should aim to consume fewer carbs, as these convert to glucose and increase blood sugar levels. People with diabetes who follow a keto diet need to monitor their ketone levels carefully. If levels get too high, ketoacidosis can occur. DKA is a condition wherein the levels of ketones become extremely high, poisoning the body. It is a severe and dangerous condition that can develop rapidly, sometimes within the space of 24 hours. There are several potential triggers for ketoacidosis.
However, it most often occurs due to illnesses that cause higher levels of hormones that work against insulin. It can also result from problems with insulin therapy, either through missing scheduled treatments or not receiving enough insulin. Ketoacidosis most commonly occurs in people with type 1 diabetes. It can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes, though this is much less common. High levels of ketones in the urine and high blood sugar levels are both signs of ketoacidosis.
A person can test for ketoacidosis using a kit at home. Ketosis does not usually occur in people who eat balanced diets and regular meals. Drastically reducing calorie and carb intake, exercising for extended periods, or being pregnant may trigger ketosis. Although some people choose to put the body through ketosis, the risk of increased acid levels can be dangerous in those who are not controlling it.
In people with diabetes, ketosis and eventually DKA can occur if they do not use enough insulin, if they skip meals, or if an insulin reaction occurs.
An insulin reaction usually happens while asleep. Doctors consider DKA an emergency, as it can lead to a diabetic coma and even death. Emergency healthcare workers will usually administer treatment followed by hospitalization in an intensive care unit. In otherwise healthy people, following a healthful, balanced diet and exercising regularly can help prevent ketosis. People with diabetes should keep an eye on their ketone levels with a test kit, particularly when ill or under stress.
Many studies have demonstrated the powerful weight loss effects of a low carb, or keto, diet. However, this diet can be difficult to maintain and may cause health problems in people with certain conditions, such as type 1 diabetes.
DKA is a particularly dangerous complication of ketosis that can occur when ketosis makes the blood too acidic. Emergency treatment is necessary for people experiencing DKA.
Most people can try the keto diet safely. However, it is best to discuss any significant changes to diet with a dietitian or doctor.
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