Ketones in your urine (pee) may be a sign you are starting to have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
What are ketones?
- Ketones are strong acids that harm your body. They are made in your body when your cells cannot get the energy they need.
- Your body’s cells use sugar for energy. The cells cannot get sugar unless there is enough insulin to let sugar into the cells.
- If cells cannot get the energy they need from sugar, fat is broken down to be used instead.
- When fat is broken down, ketones are made. Ketones in urine are a sign your body does not have enough insulin
When should I test for urine ketones?
Test for urine ketones if:
- Your blood sugars are 240 mg/dl or higher for more than 2 tests in a row.
- Your blood sugars are over 300 mg/dL 1 time.
- You are pregnant and your blood sugars are 180 mg/dl or higher for more than 2 tests in a row.
- You think you have an infection.
- You are throwing up or feel sick to your stomach.
- You are ill or stressed.
How do I test for urine ketones?
You can buy the test strips at most pharmacies. You do not need a prescription. Read the instructions that come with the strips for proper use.
To use the test strip:
- Take a test strip out of the container.
- Pass the end of the test strip through your urine stream.
- Take the strip out of the urine and wait for the number of seconds in the instructions on the bottle (often 15 seconds).
- Compare the color on the strip to the color chart on the bottle. This will tell you if ketones are in your urine.
- Check every 6 hours until results are negative.
When should I call the care team?
- Call your care team right away if you have moderate to large ketones.
- Go to the emergency room if you have ketones in your urine and cannot drink fluids.
How do I store the test strips?
- Keep the test strips away from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat.
- Keep the test strips in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the refrigerator.
What should I do with a new bottle of test strips?
- Write the expiration date on the bottle when you open a new one.
- Make sure this date is not after the expiration date on the bottle from the manufacturer.
- Test strips expire 6 months after the bottle is opened. Do not use them after they expire.
What else do I need to know about the test strips?
- Do not touch the test area of the strip or let it touch any surfaces before you use it.
- After you take a test strip out, put the cap on tight right away.
- Before using a test strip, make sure it matches the negative result on the bottle. If it does not match, do not use it.