|
|
|||
|
The Importance of Ketone Testing in Diabetes Management Ketone testing is used to determine if ketones are present in the blood. It is suggested as a measure to rule out or determine if a high level of ketones are the cause of the illness. Ketones are made when the body is using fat as an energy source rather than blood sugar. If there is not enough insulin in the body to process the blood sugar, the body will resort to burning fat. This can occur with people who are diabetic and with those individuals who have insulin resistance. Symptoms of ketoacidosis There are several symptoms that could be present to warrant ketone testing. If the symptoms persist without any resolution, then the result can be dangerous, sometimes deadly. Ketoacidosis can result in either or coma or death. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, shortness of breath, vomiting, drowsiness and disorientation. Types of ketones There are three types of ketones in the body: Acetoacetate, acetone and beta-hydroxybutyrate (which is a form of acetoacetate). The primary ketone that can cause problems in the blood is beta-hydroxybutyrate. Two types of ketone testing available Urine test-a urine test is the most common method of ketone testing. It consists of using a test strip to test the content of ketones in the urine. This is done with a number of test pads within a container. The pads already contain certain chemicals that react to the content in urine, which will change the color of the pads in accordance to the material they are testing. The results of the test can tell if an individual has an insufficient amount of insulin. A urinalysis will be conducted normally if there are symptoms of a problem that already exist. The symptoms that could lead to a urinalysis are nausea, fatigue, drowsiness shaking and others. Ketone testing with a urinalysis is sometimes favored over a blood test because it is less invasive. Blood test-as is the case with a urine test, a blood test can be used to determine the danger of ketoacidosis in individuals with type 1 diabetes, and less frequently with those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The blood sample is done with a needle to collect the blood sample. The blood test will give a result of the amount of ketones present in the blood at the time of the test. At home testing Ketone testing for both blood and urine samples can both be performed at home. The process is similar to that which is achieved in the lab, though the accuracy may vary due to the changes in instruments. This is recommended for someone who has consistent variances with changes and adjustments with insulin. The home testing kits are relatively affordable and can be a good tool in gauging with instant results. Ketone testing is one of the needs to resolving one of the many complications with diabetes. It can be used to aid those who have problems finding the right amount of insulin needed to sustain a healthy blood glucose level. There are many reasons to use ketone testing strips to test for ketones; frequent and excessive exercise, as well as alcohol, are among many reasons why it is important. Ketone testing can literally save the life of a person with diabetes. . . Return to diabetescurestrategy |
ReviewsSearch This Site |
||
Type 2 DiabetesDiabetes Test |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||