What are ketones and what causes them?
Ketones are the result of the body burning fat for energy or fuel. For a person with diabetes, ketones are often the result of prolonged high blood sugar and insulin deficiency. Without the right amount of insulin, glucose starts to build up in the blood stream and doesn’t enter the cells. The cells burn fat instead of glucose, and ketones form in the blood and spill into the urine. Some causes of high blood sugar are: • Missing an insulin dose or skipping some oral medications. • A disconnected or blocked insulin pump tube. • Being sick with the flu. • High levels of stress. • Eating more carbohydrates than your medication covers. What are the signs that I should test for ketones? Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, frequent thirst, blurry vision, dry mouth, vomiting, and fatigue. There are several scenarios that should prompt a test for ketones. • If your blood sugar is over 240 mg/dl for two tests in a row. • When you are ill. • When your blood sugar is over 240
