Understanding Ketones When the body runs out of insulin, it is forced to burn fat for fuel. This produces ketones, and when they build up, the result can be a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to severe illness or even death.

Home test kits are available at your pharmacy, so be sure and ask your doctor about them. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important that you call your health care provider or diabetic educator immediately. Blood glucose level of above 300 mg/dl, frequent urination, insatiable thirst, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, fatigue, a fruity smell to your breath, muscle aches or stiffness, and confusion. The test kits consist of simple test strips that are placed in the urine stream or in a cup of collected urine. Warning signs of ketoacidosis include. Ketones are detected by testing the urine with a simple test kit that you can use at home.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you need to be aware of the warning signs.

It is of the utmost importance that if you have type 1 diabetes and a blood glucose level of 240 mg/dl that you test for ketones.