What Is the Source of Ketone Bodies in Uncontrolled Diabetes?

Ketones are an acid that is produced when the body burns fat. This happens when the body cannot effectively use the glucose in the blood stream because the pancreas is not producing insulin. In response, the body burns fat.

Causes of Ketones

• Ketones are a complication of Diabetes. When the body burns stored fat for energy instead of using the glucose in the blood stream, ketones are produced. This happens most often in Type 1 diabetics that produce no insulin at all, but can be seen in Type 2 diabetics with very low insulin production.

Ketones and the Body

• Ketones can be an indication of extremely poor blood glucose control. If left uncorrected, ketones can cause a condition called ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis can lead to diabetic coma or, in extreme cases, death.

Ketoacidosis

• Ketones and ketoacidosis are serious medical conditions. Diabetics need to be aware of the warning signs. Some of these symptoms include extreme thirst, fatigue, blood glucose numbers over 250, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity odor on the breath and difficulty breathing (deep, short breaths).

Testing

• Ketones can most easily be detected in the urine. The quickest and easiest way to check for ketones is by using a ketone test strip readily available at any drug store or pharmacy. Testing is as easy as passing the strip through your urine stream and comparing the color to the key that comes with the strips.

Treatments

• Excessively high ketone values need to be treated before you develop ketoacidosis. First, do not exercise if you have high ketones. Burning more fat will complicate the problem. Drink lots of water and continue to check your ketone levels every hour for 3 to 4 hours. If ketones are not reduced within a few hours, call your doctor right away.

Prevention

• Elevated ketone levels are a result of not eating enough, not taking enough insulin or possibly a reaction to the insulin you did take. The best way to prevent a problem with high ketones or ketoacidosis is through strict blood glucose control. If you are having trouble keeping those numbers under control, talk with your doctor for help.