Ketones, Serum Test
Ketones, Serum Test
A serum ketone test is a part of type 1 and occasionally type 2 diabetes management used for preventing ketoacidosis. This test measures blood ketone levels at the time of sample collection, providing a snapshot of the current ketone levels in the body.
Ketones are produced as a byproduct of fat metabolism(ketosis) when the body's cells don’t have sufficient insulin to use glucose for energy. While the blood normally has a small amount of ketones (<1 mg/dL), their gradual accumulation can make it too acidic, leading to further ketosis and ketoacidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common metabolic disorder that occurs most often in people with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Characterized by severely high blood glucose levels, insulin deficiency, and an imbalance in the body's acid-base levels, it is a medical emergency that can lead to diabetic coma or death if not promptly treated.
Ketosis and ketoacidosis can also reported to occur with alcoholism, prolonged starvation, and a ketogenic diet (high-fat, low-carbohydrate). Therefore, if you have insulin-dependent diabetes or are an alcoholic, monitor your ketone levels through testing to ensure that your treatment is effectively managing your blood sugar levels.
What is the Serum Ketone Test Used For?
The serum ketone test is used for the following purposes
To spot ketoacidosis in patients with type-1 or type -2 diabetes
To detect ketoacidosis in patients who don’t have diabetes but have symptoms of DKA
To monitor ketogenic diet therapy given for patients with epilepsy.
Symptoms of Diabetes Ketoacidosis
The symptoms of DKA develop quickly and, if left untreated, may manifest as
Feeling thirsty all the time
Urging to pee a lot more than usual
Trouble breathing
Dry skin and mouth
Fruity smelling breath
Flushed face
Nausea and vomiting
Extreme tiredness
Rapid weight loss
Altered consciousness/ confusion
Poor muscle mass
Pain in stomach
Preparation for Test
You don’t need special preparation to evaluate ketones in the blood test.
Interpretation of Test Results
Results of the Ketone blood test are given as positive or negative with the following interpretations:
Positive results (Abnormal)
This report indicates higher levels of ketones in the blood corresponding to the symptoms of ketoacidosis. Your doctor may then order urine ketone testing to gauge the current ketone status in your body.
If you have diabetes, it means you have DKA. If you don’t have diabetes, your ketoacidosis could be because of alcohol misuse, starvation or other health conditions.
Negative results (Normal)
This report suggests no ketones detected in the blood. However, it does not exclude diabetic ketoacidosis caused by other types of ketones, such as acetoacetate and acetone.
It could also mean the test is not capable of of detecting the amount of elevated ketones present in the body.
FAQs
If I have diabetes, can I just test for glucose instead of ketones?
Even though glucose and ketone tests are related, they aren’t the same. Ketone increases with high glucose concentrations, but it can also moderately increase when you are sick or abusing alcohol.
Is it possible that I have ketoacidosis and do not know it?
You may experience symptoms indicating some degree of ketosis, but the symptoms become more pronounced as ketone concentrations increase.
When is the serum ketone test ordered?
Your doctor may order this test if you have diabetes and symptoms associated with DKA. They may also perform this test if they suspect you can develop DKA when you are sick, have been vomiting, have diarrhea, have been fasting, or are pregnant.
Can you have ketoacidosis with normal blood sugar?
Although rare, euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a form of DKA that can occur when a diabetic person treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors such as canagliflozin has blood glucose levels below 250 mg/dL.
How long does DKA take to develop?
The symptoms of DKA can develop quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. So, go to the emergency room right away if you have the aforementioned symptoms.
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