Keto Means
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What infections cause ketones in urine?

Additionally, there may be signs of illnesses such as sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections that can lead to high ketone levels.

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. What is ketonuria? Ketonuria happens when you have high ketone levels in your urine. This condition is also called ketoaciduria and acetonuria. Ketones or ketone bodies are types of acids. Your body makes ketones when fats and proteins are burned for energy. This is a normal process. However, it can go into overdrive due to some health conditions and other reasons. Ketonuria is most common in individuals who have diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes mellitus. It can also occur in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If ketone levels rise too high for too long, your blood becomes acidic. This can harm your health. What are the causes of ketonuria? Ketogenic diet Ketonuria is a sign that your body is primarily using fats and protein for fuel. This is called ketosis. It’s a normal process if you’re fasting or on a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet does not typically pose a health risk if it’s done in a balanced way. Low insulin levels Most of the energy your body uses comes from sugar or glucose. This is normally from the carbohydrates you eat or from stored sugars. Insulin is a vital hormone that transports sugar into every cell, including your muscles, heart, and brain. People with diabetes may not have enough insulin or be able to use it properly. Without insulin, your body can’t efficiently move sugar into your cells or store it as fuel. It must find another power source. Body fats and proteins are broken down for energy, producing ketones as a waste product. When too many ketones pile up in your bloodstream, a condition called ketoacidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis can occur. This is a life-threatening condition that makes your blood acidic and can harm your organs. Ketonuria usually happens along with ketoacidosis. As ketone levels rise in your blood, your kidneys try to get rid of them through urine. If you have diabetes and have developed ketonuria, you likely also have high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia. Without enough insulin, your body can’t properly absorb sugar from digested food. Other causes You can develop ketonuria even if you don’t have diabetes or are on a strict ketogenic diet. Other causes include: drinking excess alcohol

excessive vomiting

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pregnancy

starvation

illness or infection

heart attack

emotional or physical trauma

medications, such as corticosteroids and diuretics

drug use

What are the symptoms of ketonuria? Ketonuria may be a sign that you have ketoacidosis or leading to it. The higher your levels of ketones, the more severe the symptoms and the more dangerous it can become. Depending on severity, signs and symptoms can include: thirst

fruity smelling breath

dry mouth

fatigue

nausea or vomiting

frequent urination

confusion or difficulty focusing Your doctor may find related signs of ketonuria: high blood sugar

significant dehydration

How is ketonuria diagnosed? Ketonuria is commonly diagnosed through a urine test. Your doctor will also look at your symptoms and medical history. Common tests for ketones in both your urine and your blood include: finger-stick ketone blood test

urine strip test

acetone breath test You may also undergo other tests and scans to look for the cause: blood electrolytes

complete blood count

chest X-ray

CT scan

electrocardiogram

blood culture tests for infections

blood glucose test

drug screen Home tests The American Diabetes Association advises checking your ketone levels if you have diabetes, particularly when your blood sugar is more than 240 milligrams per deciliter. You can test for ketones with a simple urine test strip. Some home blood glucose monitors also measure blood ketones. This involves pricking your finger and placing a drop of blood onto a test strip. Home tests may not be as accurate as a urine or blood test in your doctor’s office. Shop for ketone testing strips and machines you can use at home Test ranges Regular ketone testing is very important if you have diabetes. Your urine test strip will change color. Each color corresponds to a range of ketone levels on a chart. Whenever ketones are higher than normal, you should check your blood glucose level. Take immediate action if needed. Range Results Under 0.6 millimoles per liter Normal urine ketone level 0.6 to 1.5 millimoles per liter Higher than normal; test again in 2 to 4 hours 1.6 to 3.0 millimoles per liter Moderate urine ketone level; call your doctor immediately Above 3.0 millimoles per liter Dangerously high level; go to the ER immediately How is ketonuria treated? If your ketonuria is due to temporary fasting or changes in your diet, it will likely resolve on its own. You won’t need treatment. Test your ketone levels and your blood sugar and see your doctor for follow-up appointments to make sure. In more serious situations, ketonuria treatment is similar to treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis. You may require lifesaving treatment with: fast-acting insulin

IV fluids

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electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride If your ketonuria is due to illness, you may need additional treatment such as: antibiotics

antivirals

heart procedures

Complications of ketonuria In serious cases, ketonuria may lead to complications that impact your health. It can result in a coma or death. Ketoacidosis Diabetic ketoacidosis is a health emergency that can lead to a diabetic coma and even death. The spike in ketones in your blood raises your blood’s acid levels. High acid states are toxic to organs, muscles, and nerves and interfere with bodily functions. This condition can happen to anyone with diabetes, but it’s most common in people with type 1 diabetes. Dehydration High blood sugar levels, which lead to high ketone levels, significantly increase urination and can lead to dehydration. Illnesses that cause ketonuria may also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea adding to dehydration. In pregnancy Ketonuria is common even in a healthy pregnancy. It may happen if you don’t eat for a long period of time, have a low-carbohydrate diet, or experience excessive vomiting. Expectant mothers who have diabetes or gestational diabetes are at greater risk for ketonuria. This can lead to ketoacidosis, which can harm the developing baby. If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor may recommend treatment through diet and medications such as insulin. Treatment usually resolves ketonuria. You will still need to monitor your blood sugar levels and ketone levels regularly throughout pregnancy and after the birth of your baby. Your doctor or nutritionist will recommend changes to your diet. The right food choices are an important step in the management and treatment of gestational diabetes.

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