Can I Test for Ketoacidosis at Home?

Ketoacidosis is a medical condition that can result in a diabetic coma or death if it goes undetected. When a diabetic's body cannot get enough insulin, it starts to burn body fat, and acids, called ketones, build up in the blood. High ketone levels are essentially poisonous to the body and lead to ketoacidosis. Fortunately, there are physical signs to detect an increase in ketones and a home test to check for them. The condition is most common in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Check for Symptoms

• The first step in home testing for an increase in ketones (or for ketoacidosis) is to check for symptoms of the condition. Ketoacidosis develops over time, so catching high ketone levels early is crucial. Early symptoms include:

  Dry mouth or thirst
  Frequent urination
  High blood sugar levels
  High ketone levels

  Later symptoms include:

  Excessive tiredness
  Dry skin
  Flushed skin
  Nausea, vomitting and abdominal pain (for more than two hours)
  Shallow breathing
  Fruity-smelling breath
  Confusion or scattered attention span

  If a diabetic has any or a combination of these symptoms, he should contact his physician immediately.

Test for Ketones

• Testing for ketones is a crucial step in determining if ketoacidosis is present or developing. All Type 1 diabetics should have test strips in their home to check for ketones. If blood sugar tests higher than 240 mg/dl on a glucose meter, doctors recommend the person check for ketones. The test is simple. The person with high blood sugar urinates on the tip of a test strip. The strip will then show whether ketones are present or not, and if they are present at a high level. If they are present at a high level, the person should contact his physician to discuss the proper steps to take next. When a diabetic person is sick with the flu or food poisoning and is vomiting, he should check for ketones every four to six hours, since ketoacidosis is more likely to develop under those conditions.

Causes of Ketoacidosis

• When considering whether or not ketoacidosis could be developing in a diabetic, determine the possible cause of an increase in ketones. There are three main reasons for the onset of ketoacidosis. First, not enough insulin can cause the body to turn to its fat to burn, causing the production of ketones. A missed or inadequate insulin injection or sickness could result in low insulin levels. Second, not enough food can cause the body to burn its own fat and produce ketones. Sickness can result in not enough food, as can missing a meal. Diabetics should not miss meals. Finally, an insulin reaction can occur, most often in the morning if a person tests high for ketones before breakfast. The insulin reaction can occur while a person is sleeping.