How to Test Your Ketones
Ketosis is a metabolic state of the body. When your body does not have enough carbohydrates to feed your cells to produce energy, it begins to burn fats instead. This process eventually produces ketones. Under most balanced diets, the body controls the fats it burns and doesn't usually use ketones. But when you reduce the consumption of carbs or calories, such as in the keto diet, your body will use ketosis for energy instead.
Though considered a normal state of the body, ketosis can still become harmful if ketones over-accumulate. This condition is common for people who have diabetes. For diabetics, ketosis is a sign that they are not using enough insulin. As a result, their body produces ketones.
If the body produces a high level of ketones, the blood can become acidic. This is a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. It may harm other organs and may lead to illness if not treated as early as possible.
A ketone test can alert you to the risk of developing type 1diabetes.
When to conduct a ketone test
Individuals who have insulin-dependent diabetes should take a ketone test if:
- You are experiencing the symptoms of ketoacidosis.
- Your sugar levels have been over 13 mmol/l (230 mg/dl)
- For reference, my ketones have been running at 0.7 mmol/l
- Your blood sugar is over 17 mmol/l (300 mg/dl)
Ways to do the ketone test:
Urine Ketone Test
- Remove the strip while making sure not to touch the spongy tip of the strip.
- Collect urine in a clean container and dip the test area into the urine.
- After a few seconds, you will notice that the strip will begin to change color.
- Compare the color on the test area to the color chart on the container of strips.
Blood Ketone Test
- Put the blood ketone strip into the meter.
- Use the lancing device to gently prick your finger.
- Pinch your finger to push the blood onto the ketone strip.
- Wait for the result and discard it properly after use.
This test is the most accurate! Personally, I use the KetoMojo Meter to test. Grab Yours HERE and SAVE 15%!
Breath Ketone Test
You can also measure your ketone level with the use of a Ketonix device by breath acetone, also called BrAce. Blow into the device, and the LED light will show a color based on the level of your ketones.
- Blue – 0 to 150 mmol/L (normal)
- Green – 150 to 400 mmol/L (low)
- Yellow – 400 to 930 mmol/L (moderate)
- Red – above 930 mmol/L (high)
Please note that you should consult a physician if the result shows yellow or red.
If you feel constant fatigue all day and you are always hungry, this may be a symptom that you are not in ketosis.
If you would like to learn more about my 21 Day Keto Program just click here.
Yours in health and wellness,
Katee
P.S. Want to know what the BEST KETO SNACKS ARE? Click Here Now!