Ketones are chemicals produced as a by-product of fat breakdown. It is produced in the liver when insulin is lacking. Ketoacidosis is a condition that occurs when ketone levels are higher. This condition can lead to grave results, especially in diabetic patients. Diabetes is a serious health condition that requires utmost care and regular monitoring. Lifestyle modifications along with periodic check-ups help to keep the health complications at bay. Blood vitals can be checked at home by using a glucose meter, ketone meter, pulse oximeter, or similar devices. Varied measurement results require immediate medical help which can otherwise be life-threatening.
How are ketone levels important in diabetes management?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body fails to process blood glucose and as a result, the glucose level in the blood rises. The body fails to utilize the glucose available and the cells are depleted of their glucose content. Thus, the body is not able to meet the energy requirements. As an alternative, the body breaks down the available fat to generate energy, and ketones are formed. When the fat breakdown continues at an uncontrolled rate, the level of ketones increases in the blood which makes the body acidic and results in diabetic ketoacidosis. Higher ketone levels in the body directly indicate a higher glucose level in the blood. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to coma which can be fatal.
Ketogenic diet testing at home
A ketone meter helps to measure blood ketone levels at home. They are easy to use and the guide available along with the device helps the patient to know the ideal ketone levels. Ketone strips are available in the same package and a minute blood drop gives the ketone levels within a couple of seconds. The device measures the ketone, beta-hydroxybutyrate in our blood. It is advisable to check blood ketone levels as ketones appear in urine later. Early detection always makes the treatment plan less complicated and guarantees better results.
As ketone is a by-product of fat breakdown, a ketone meter is also used to determine the rate of ketosis. Increased ketosis can be due to a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting. The ketogenic diet allows high fat intake and fewer carbohydrates. Ketone strips specify whether the body has entered ketosis or a fat-burning state. Periodic ketone testing helps to make further diet modifications and can also be an encouragement for fitness enthusiasts. Blood ketone levels can be used to know any alarm signs due to the rigorous diet schedules.
Conclusion
In diabetic patients, regular ketone testing can help reduce complications and hospital admissions. For non-diabetic patients, ketone testing helps to track their weight loss journey and prevent non-diabetic ketoacidosis. Even though ketone testing is done for two completely different reasons in these cases, the test results alert individuals to signs of ketoacidosis. Periodic monitoring of body vitals is necessary to know the bodily changes occurring due to diseases or lifestyle changes.
