What does it mean if ketones are large?

What does it mean if ketones are large?

High ketone levels in urine may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes that can lead to a coma or even death. A ketones in urine test can prompt you to get treatment before a medical emergency occurs.

Is it bad to have large ketones?

Your body cannot tolerate large amounts of ketones and will try to get rid of them through the urine. Eventually they build up in the blood. The presence of ketones could be a sign that you are experiencing, or will soon develop, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a life-threatening medical emergency.

Do you need to check for ketones if you have type 2 diabetes?

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need to know how to do this. Most people who have Type 2 diabetes don’t need to check for ketones, since DKA is rare in this group. However, you may, particularly if you take both mealtime (fast-acting) and long-acting insulin. It’s best to talk with your doctor or diabetes educator to find out.

How can you tell if you have high levels of ketones in your blood?

But high levels of ketones in your blood is a sign that something isn’t quite right. You can tell if you have high levels of ketones in your blood by checking for them. Your doctor should give you an idea of what your target range is and what to do if you go above it.

When to call the doctor about ketones in blood?

The result may be negative, or may show trace, small, moderate, or large amounts of ketones. Typically, you should call your doctor if you have moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine. Some blood glucose meters have the ability of measuring ketones in the blood.

What happens to ketones in diabetic DKA?

DKA (Ketoacidosis) & Ketones Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma (passing out for a long time) or even death. When your cells don’t get the glucose they need for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones.