Ketones

Results

A ketone test checks for substances made when the body breaks down fat for energy (ketones).

Blood test at home

Home blood sugar meters that also test for ketones display results on the meter's screen.

In people who have diabetes, blood ketones are expected to be lower than 0.6 mmol/L.

Urine test

Ketones are present in the urine if:

• The test strip changes color after dipping it into the urine.
• The urine changes color after placing the test tablet in it.

You usually compare the color of the test strip or urine to a chart to find out if ketones are present.

High values

You may have ketones if you:

• Have poorly controlled diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Are on a very low-carbohydrate or high-fat diet.
• Are starving or have an eating disorder, including disorders that result in poor nutrition such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, alcoholism, or poisoning from drinking rubbing alcohol (isopropanol).
• Have not eaten (fasted) for 18 hours or longer.
• Are pregnant. Some women have low levels of ketones during pregnancy and this does not affect the fetus. But a moderate or high amount of ketones in a pregnant woman may harm the fetus and may be an indication of gestational diabetes.

The level of ketones, and not just the presence of ketones, may be important to your doctor as well. Many conditions can change ketone levels. Fasting usually causes only mild increases in the level. But ketone levels in diabetic ketoacidosis are much higher. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.