Ketones Urine
Category:
Ketones Urine
Description
Ketones are substances that are made when the body
breaks down fat for energy. Normally, the body gets the energy it needs from carbohydrate.
However, stored fat is broken down and ketones are made if the diet does not contain
enough carbohydrate to supply the body with glucose for energy or if your body cannot
use it properly.
Newer home blood sugar meters can also measure ketones. Home urine tests to measure
ketones are available also.
It is recommended for all people with diabetes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting,
or abdominal pain. These symptoms are similar to symptoms of high blood sugar and
may mean you have diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening problem.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis
of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm, but An urine test is the
most commonly used method.
Purpose of the test
The purpose of this test is to detect the presence
of ketones in blood or urine.
This test may be done to:
• Monitor a person on a very low-carbohydrate diet.
• Monitor a pregnant woman with diabetes or who has developed gestational
diabetes.
Reference range values
Negative
Abnormal findings
If the result of the test is positive this means that
the body is breaking down fat for energy instead of carbohydrate.
This can be due to:
• Having diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Being on a very low-carbohydrate diet.
• Being starving or having an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa
or bulimia, alcoholism, or poisoning from drinking rubbing alcohol.
• Having not eaten for 18 hours or longer.
• Being pregnant.
Reasons why the results may not be helpful include:
• Taking medicines, such as:
• Levodopa, such as Sinemet or Larodopa.
• Phenazopyridine, such as Pyridium, Geridium, Pyridiate, or Urogesic.
• Valproic acid, such as Depakote, Depacon, or Depakene.
• Vitamin C in large amounts.
• Dehydration.
• A high-fat diet.
• Pregnancy.