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What is the Relationship Between Ketones and Diabetes?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Every diabetic should be aware of the connection between ketones and diabetes. Due to the risk of elevated ketones in the bloodstream, diabetics may develop a potential harmful condition known as ketoacidosis. By understanding the risks created by the presence of high ketones in the blood, diabetics can be aware of some of the warning signs and seek treatment before the condition leads to further complications.

In order to get a better understanding of the relationship between ketones and diabetes, it is necessary to define what is meant by ketones. Simply put, this is the amount of acid that is left when the body begins to burn fat cells as a means of generating energy for the body. As more fat is burned, the ketones begin to collect in the bloodstream, and may eventually lead to a number of physical discomforts, including nausea and a sense of being unable to breathe. Left untreated, ketoacidosis can even lead to falling into a coma.

Diabetics may have elevated ketones in the bloodstream.
Diabetics may have elevated ketones in the bloodstream.

This understanding about the relationship between ketones and diabetes is especially important to diabetics, since the body is burning more fat in an attempt to compensate for its inability to efficiently convert carbohydrates into energy. A vicious circle can emerge, as the body stores consumed carbohydrates as fat if those carbs are not converted into energy. The body then burns the fat to produce energy, leaving ketones behind to clog the bloodstream. As the level of ketones increase, the patient experiences more illness that only serves to put more stress on the body to produce energy, increasing the presence of the ketones in the blood.

Left untreated, ketoacidosis can lead to a person falling into a coma.
Left untreated, ketoacidosis can lead to a person falling into a coma.

There are a number of symptoms that may manifest when an individual suffers from a combination of high ketones and diabetes. Nausea is a common problem, along with frequent bouts with regurgitation after meals. The patient is also likely to feel somewhat lightheaded and find it difficult to breathe. It is not unusual for the breath to take on a fruity smell when ketone levels are increasing.

Urine testing can reveal whether a patient has high levels of ketones.
Urine testing can reveal whether a patient has high levels of ketones.

Fortunately for people who are dealing with the presence of ketones and diabetes, there are tests that can identify both the presence and the level of those acids in the bloodstream. Ketones testing using a simple diabetes urine test is often enough to determine the level of ketones present, and make it possible to take immediate action to deal with the issue. Often, a balanced diabetic diet along with drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day will be part of the treatment process, along with any other strategies that the physician believes are in the best interests of the patient.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Diabetics may have elevated ketones in the bloodstream.
      By: evgenyb
      Diabetics may have elevated ketones in the bloodstream.
    • Left untreated, ketoacidosis can lead to a person falling into a coma.
      By: Claudio's Pics
      Left untreated, ketoacidosis can lead to a person falling into a coma.
    • Urine testing can reveal whether a patient has high levels of ketones.
      By: Rob Byron
      Urine testing can reveal whether a patient has high levels of ketones.
    • Prolonged high blood sugar may cause vision problems in diabetics.
      By: JackF
      Prolonged high blood sugar may cause vision problems in diabetics.
    • Nausea is a common problem when someone has high ketones and diabetes.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Nausea is a common problem when someone has high ketones and diabetes.
    • People who are diabetic should eat plenty of fresh vegetable and lean proteins.
      By: marrakeshh
      People who are diabetic should eat plenty of fresh vegetable and lean proteins.
    • Diabetics can help prevent ketoacidosis by eating healthy and using the prescribed insulin dosage.
      By: Gordan Jankulov
      Diabetics can help prevent ketoacidosis by eating healthy and using the prescribed insulin dosage.