Ketones

What To Think About

• The blood test can check for one type of ketone that the urine test cannot detect. Therefore, a urine test that does not show any ketones may not be accurate (false-negative result).
• Ketone levels will increase in your urine before they increase in your blood if you are fasting or on a very low carbohydrate diet.
• The American Diabetes Association recommends that you test your urine for ketones if you have diabetes and you:
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are sick or feeling very stressed.
  • Have blood sugar levels of 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) or higher.
  • Have symptoms of high blood sugar (diabetic ketoacidosis), such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• Ketones can be tested at home using urine ketone test strips. A more accurate reading can be obtained by some home glucose meters that test for blood ketones.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: July 25, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.