What do ketones in urine look like

But high ketone levels could result in serious illness or death. Checking for ketones keeps this from happening. You may need this test if you have a high level of blood sugar, which can happen if you have diabetes. People with diabetes often have high ketone levels because they don't make enough insulin. Or their body doesn't respond well to insulin, and they can't use the sugar in the blood for energy.

If you have high blood sugar levels and type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it's important to check your ketone levels. People without diabetes can also have ketones in the urine if their body is using fat for fuel instead of glucose.

This can happen with chronic vomiting, extreme exercise, low-carbohydrate diets, or eating disorders. Your healthcare provider may also check for ketones in your blood if you have high levels of ketones in your urine. If your healthcare provider suspects you have diabetes, they may order other urine or blood tests to check for these substances:.

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. If you have diabetes, you are at higher risk of developing high levels of ketones in the urine. This can happen with chronic vomiting, extreme exercise, low-carbohydrate diets, or eating disorders, underscoring the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and taking a holistic approach to the treatment and management of ketonuria symptoms.

It depends. Ketones are a metabolic byproduct created when the body burns fat for energy. If you follow a very low carbohydrate diet, ketones in the urine show the diet is working. However, in people with diabetes, the presence of ketones often indicates a problem. Very high levels of ketones can result in a potentially fatal condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Not typically. Ketones occur when the body burns fat for energy. Starvation can cause ketones, but dehydration does not. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis DKA include:. We know healthy eating is key to help manage diabetes, but that doesn't make it easy. Our free nutrition guide is here to help. Sign up and receive your free copy! Evans K. Diabetic ketoacidosis: update on management. Clinical Medicine. Prevalence of ketosis, ketonuria, and ketoacidosis during liberal glycemic control in critically ill patients with diabetes: an observational study.

Crit Care. Ketones in urine. Updated July 31, There are several situations in which it is a good idea to check for ketones, usually every four to six hours. Talk to your doctor to know what makes the most sense for you and your diabetes management plan.

Ketone test strips are available at your pharmacy. They kits are quick and simple to use—though it is important to follow the instructions closely. Always have test strips on hand and check their expiration date. Make sure you understand the directions in advance, and ask your doctor or nurse if you would like a demonstration.

Generally, the test will involve dipping a strip in a urine sample, waiting for it to change color, then comparing your results to a chart on the packaging.

The color will estimate the concentration of ketones in your urine. Remember to record your results! Small amounts of ketones in the urine can be normal, especially if a person is trying to lose weight and maintains healthy blood sugar levels. People with diabetes who are trying to lose weight should make sure they monitor their blood sugar and ketone levels closely. If you test for ketones in your urine and the results indicate a small amount, consult with your doctor and continue retesting every few hours.

If test results show moderate or large amounts of ketones in urine, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If test results show high levels of ketones in your urine, your doctor may check the amount of ketones in your blood and also conduct the following urine tests: 7. High levels of ketones detected in your urine are a potential indicator of diabetic ketoacidosis DKA , a severe complication of diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is often the first sign that a person has diabetes before they are diagnosed. If you become ill and have diabetes, your blood sugar and ketone levels can rise and cause ketoacidosis. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics.

Health Tools. Reviewed: October 2, Medically Reviewed.