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The Importance of Ketone Testing Strips Ketone testing strips are used to perform a ketone test, which measures the amount of ketones in the blood. Ketones are fat products that are used by the body as a source of energy when low levels of insulin prevent the body from using glucose. The path of ketones is through the blood stream, and then they are passed through the urine; therefore, the logical test for ketone levels is through these systems. Individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes will gain the most benefit from using ketone testing strips because of the many complications that arise from the disease. There are many symptoms that are related to detoacidosis, which is the result of too many ketones in the blood stream. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, disorientation, increased thirst and confusion. The results of ketoacidosis can be fatal. Types of tests Ketone testing strips are primarily used with either a blood test or a urine test. The blood test is simple, and it can be administered in the office of a healthcare professional or in the privacy of an individual's home. A ketone blood test is considered to be more accurate than the urine test because of the reagents used in the urine tests. The ketone home blood tests are very similar to a blood glucose monitor, except the results displayed are for ketones instead of blood glucose. Ketone monitors measure a range between .1 mmol/L to 2.0 mmol/L (mmol/L is a standard of measurement that is based on a molecular unit, more specifically millimoles per unit). The range is as follows: Below .6 mmol/L is a healthy or a normal range, between .6 and 1.5 mmol/L may mean the development of a problem and above 1.5 mmol/L means that there is a problem that may require immediate medical assistance. A ketone urine test will determine if the level of ketones is higher than normal. A ketone testing strip is covered with a reagent, and the reagent will show whether or not there is the possibility of a health risk by the color it changes. The color change will reveal a level of ketones between 0 and 160 mg/dl. Urine ketone testing strips will usually test more than just ketone levels. They can also test ph levels and glucose as well. Ketone testing strips can be very useful by revealing a problem with ketone levels that require immediate attention. If the symptoms are mild, then it may be alleviated with either insulin or large quantities of fluids. Often, this is done intravenous to reverse the onset of the condition of ketoacidosis. If the problem persists, then it could lead to a coma or even death. Ketone testing strips can benefit anyone who has diabetes, more prominently type 1, and also insulin pump users. The warning signs of ketoacidosis can be slow in presenting themselves, but there are certain activities that can promote these symptoms: Lack of eating, intensive exercise, drug or alcohol use and skipping one or more insulin injections. It is a good idea to have a ketone home test available during periods of insulin adjustment, to prevent any possible dangers of ketoacidosis. A ketone testing strip is an inexpensive way to make a vast difference. Diffrence between Glucose Blood and Ketones Test Many people are confused and can't make any difference between the two test .Urine or ketone testing strips can tell you when blood glucose levels are too high and detect the presence of ketones in urine. For blood glucose monitoring, blood testing is definitely superior, since urine can only tell you what your blood glucose levels were a few hours ago, while blood tests report current levels. You should not make insulin therapy decisions based on a urine test strip. However, when it comes to ketones -- a byproduct of lipid fat and protein metabolism -- urine testing is best. Ketone presence in urine is a sign that you may be in a state of Ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention . . From ketone testing strips to ketone testing Return to diabetescurestrategy |
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