Hyperglycemia and Ketones
What are Ketones?
Ketones are chemicals in the liver as a consequence of the breakdown of fat. Insulin usually keeps this at bay, but when the body can't use it's glucose for energy (because of lack of insulin) the body burns fat for energy instead. Ketones then accumulate in the blood. If the body produces too many ketones the blood becomes acidic, this is called 'KETOACIDOSIS' and can be life threatning!
HYPERGLYCAEMIA and KETONES and ILLNESS = KETOACIDOSIS which = DANGER
Ketones show in your blood and urine if you don't have enough insulin. If ketones appear this is a warning - it means your diabetes isn't in control. This sometimes happens if you have an infection or are not well.
Your Diabetes Specialist Nurse (dsn) may recommend testing for ketones in your urine or blood using a ketone testing strip.
Your blood sugars will probably be high so remember to do blood tests more often especially if ketones are present.
Please note children of four and younger may have ketones first thing in the morning, even without the blood test being high. If your child is not ill this can be due to the child not eating for 10 - 11 hours. They will disappear by lunchtime. These are called starvation ketones.
DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS (DKA)
Occurs when the body produces too many ketones and they make the blood too acid. This can be LIFE THREATNING!
WARNING SIGNS OF KETOACIDOSIS
* Increased thirst
* Passing more urine
* High blood glucose tests
* Ketones in the urine or blood
* Nausea or vomiting
* Drowsiness
* Stomach pains
* Cold, dry skin
* Deep, rapid breathing
* Sweet smell on breath (like pear drops, or acetone)
NEVER MISS YOUR INSULIN -
Even if you don't feel like eating. If you are vomiting your dose of insulin may change. If in doubt ALWAYS call your diabetes clinic.
If you have a positive ketone test:
* You should take some rapid acting insulin as soon as possible. Take DOUBLE your correction dose.
* Drink plenty of water and sugar free fluids.
* Test blood glucose every 1 - 2 hours and repeat the correction dose until blood/urine is negative of ketones.
Try to identify cause of high blood glucose and seek treatment if necessary.
Contact Diabetes team if high glucose and ketones persist.
CONTACT GP/ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPT IF YOU ARE VOMITING AS DEHYDRATION CAN OCCUR.
What are Ketones?
Ketones are chemicals in the liver as a consequence of the breakdown of fat. Insulin usually keeps this at bay, but when the body can't use it's glucose for energy (because of lack of insulin) the body burns fat for energy instead. Ketones then accumulate in the blood. If the body produces too many ketones the blood becomes acidic, this is called 'KETOACIDOSIS' and can be life threatning!
HYPERGLYCAEMIA and KETONES and ILLNESS = KETOACIDOSIS which = DANGER
Ketones show in your blood and urine if you don't have enough insulin. If ketones appear this is a warning - it means your diabetes isn't in control. This sometimes happens if you have an infection or are not well.
Your Diabetes Specialist Nurse (dsn) may recommend testing for ketones in your urine or blood using a ketone testing strip.
Your blood sugars will probably be high so remember to do blood tests more often especially if ketones are present.
Please note children of four and younger may have ketones first thing in the morning, even without the blood test being high. If your child is not ill this can be due to the child not eating for 10 - 11 hours. They will disappear by lunchtime. These are called starvation ketones.
DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS (DKA)
Occurs when the body produces too many ketones and they make the blood too acid. This can be LIFE THREATNING!
WARNING SIGNS OF KETOACIDOSIS
* Increased thirst
* Passing more urine
* High blood glucose tests
* Ketones in the urine or blood
* Nausea or vomiting
* Drowsiness
* Stomach pains
* Cold, dry skin
* Deep, rapid breathing
* Sweet smell on breath (like pear drops, or acetone)
NEVER MISS YOUR INSULIN -
Even if you don't feel like eating. If you are vomiting your dose of insulin may change. If in doubt ALWAYS call your diabetes clinic.
If you have a positive ketone test:
* You should take some rapid acting insulin as soon as possible. Take DOUBLE your correction dose.
* Drink plenty of water and sugar free fluids.
* Test blood glucose every 1 - 2 hours and repeat the correction dose until blood/urine is negative of ketones.
Try to identify cause of high blood glucose and seek treatment if necessary.
Contact Diabetes team if high glucose and ketones persist.
CONTACT GP/ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPT IF YOU ARE VOMITING AS DEHYDRATION CAN OCCUR.
