Ketones are chemicals produced by the liver when the body breaks down fat for energy. It is a process which generally occurs when there is not enough insulin in the body to use glucose as a fuel. This is common in conditions like diabetes, especially Type 1 diabetes.
Ketones in the urine are generally measured through a Blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the gold standard
Higher levels of ketone, especially when paired with higher blood glucose levels, are a red flag for the development of DKA or Diabetic Ketoacidosis. It is a life-threatening complication which primarily affects individuals with Type 1 diabetes. It can also occur in people with Type 2 diabetes, under certain conditions.
Generally, ketone levels in urine above 3.0 mmol/L are considered dangerous. It is accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing and abdominal pain. The presence of large amounts of ketones can indicate whether the body is in a state of metabolic crisis.
In diabetic ketoacidosis, ketones build up in the bloodstream. It makes the blood acidic and leads to dehydration, and in severe cases, even causes a coma or death.
There are a lot of potential reasons for high ketone levels in the urine:
If the result of a urine test shows a large amount of ketones, or if there are symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, dry skin, or excessive thirst, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. These are signs of DKA that require urgent treatment to prevent further complications.
Ketones in urine are early warning signs of serious health conditions. It is especially important for people who have diabetes. While a trace amount of ketone is not a cause for concern, large amounts indicate that the body is in distress and in danger of developing diabetic ketoacidosis.