A ketone test measures the amount of ketones in blood or urine, which can build up if the body is burning fat instead of sugar for energy. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious health condition, especially in people with diabetes. The test can be done at a doctor’s office or hospital, and fasting or medication changes may be required. Treatment may involve insulin therapy and intravenous fluids.
A ketone test is a test designed to look at the amount of ketones in your blood or urine. Ketones are acids produced by the body as it breaks down fats to be used for energy. Under normal circumstances, insulin allows the body to use sugars for fuel. If there is not enough insulin, the body will not be able to use sugar for energy and will resort to burning fat instead. As the body attempts to break down fats, ketones can build up in the blood, which can lead to serious illness.
To test the body for the presence of ketones, a person can draw blood or send a urine sample. For a ketone blood test, a healthcare provider typically sterilizes the area of the body where they will be drawing blood. The blood sample will be taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Some people who have a ketone test may have a urine test done. With a urine ketone test, you take a urine sample that will also be sent to a laboratory for testing.
Ketone testing can be done at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. Most people who undergo a ketone test will not be required to make any special preparations. If something in particular needs to be done before having the test, the doctor ordering the test will usually advise the patient. Fasting from foods or changing the timing or dosages of medications are some commonly required preparations before undergoing certain blood and urine tests.
Having a ketone test can be important to an individual’s overall health. It is even more important in people who have diabetes. If ketones build up in the blood, a person can develop a serious health condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a condition that occurs when there are severely elevated levels of ketones in the blood. It’s a complication of not having enough insulin available to break down glucose properly.
Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause nausea, fatigue, vomiting, shortness of breath, and confusion. In severe cases, even very serious symptoms such as fainting, loss of consciousness and swelling in the brain can occur. If not properly treated, the condition can become life-threatening. The purpose of a ketone test is to diagnose unhealthy levels of ketones in the body before any significant damage can be done. To treat high ketone levels, doctors may start a type of insulin therapy and give intravenous electrolytes and fluids.
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