In this article, we are going to discuss “80 mg dl ketones in the urine keto diet”. I will include the effects of high levels of ketones in the urine, how to test it, and the treatment and prevention of DKA.
What does 80 mg dl of ketones in the urine keto diet mean?
Reaching a high level of ketones in the urine is dangerous and would increase the risk of ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition where the levels of acidity in the blood are high. High levels of ketone bodies would lead to accumulation and serious conditions.
It is dangerous because it can lead to many outcomes that affect your health. The levels of insulin are reduced to dangerous levels, which will lead to low blood sugar levels.
Without insulin, glucose will not be able to enter the cells, and no energy will get to your cells to carry out normal functions. Thus insulin is produced less and less.
There are two ways you can test for ketones levels in your body. One would be a blood test, and the other one would be a urine test.
Blood test
The blood test is a way to test ketones in the body. It is a clear indication of the ketones in the blood. The blood test requires a special machine and plucking your finger to get a few drops of blood.
It requires blood to be drawn out and placed on a strip to test the level of ketones. The blood test is invasive and not cheap. A state of ketosis is between 0.5 to 3 mmol /L.
Urine
Urine tests are a lot simpler and less invasive. It gives a strip to urinate on and compares the color you get with the box to identify the number of ketones in your body. The wait is usually less than 3 minutes. Yet urine tests are less accurate than blood tests, but it is more convenient.
Who should test their ketone levels?
Ketone levels should be measured by people following keto diets for a long period of time. People with type one diabetes should especially test for ketone levels. High levels of ketones in the blood or urine would indicate diabetic ketoacidosis known as DKA.
DKA is a medical condition that should be treated immediately, it messes with the electrolyte levels in your blood. It is advised to test in the morning or after dinner for several hours. It is a fatal condition that makes your blood more acidic which leads to coma and death.
How is DKA treated?
DKA is treated most effectively by inducing insulin, it reverses the condition quickly. Since insulin is introduced into the blood would cause the glucose levels to decrease, letting glucose enter cells so it can be used for energy. This decrease in glucose would reduce the acidity in the blood.
Since DKA also causes electrolyte imbalances, this will also be addressed. Electrolyte imbalances affect all body organs, thus electrolytes are provided to help reverse the imbalance.
Due to the high levels of glucose in the blood, fluids are also given to help get the excess sugar out of the body. This is due to the fact that glucose is diluted in the blood.
How can I prevent DKA?
Preventing DKA is better than reaching a point where you have to treat it, and need hospital attention. Before you go on any diet, make sure to ask your professional provider if it fits your health profile, especially for those with diabetes who would follow a keto diet.
Monitor
Keep checking your blood sugar to make sure they are within the normal levels, with levels below 180 mg/dl for diabetics. Make sure your blood levels are within the normal range and balance it with the insulin you take.
Since insulin lets in the glucose to be used by the cells, thus it lowers your blood sugar levels. Consult with your doctor to balance your insulin intake with food, and some signs you encounter during the day.
Signs
Watch out for warning signs and symptoms of DKA that you should watch out for. Some include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and rapid heartbeat.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed “80 mg dl ketones in the urine keto diet”.I included the effects of high levels of ketones in the urine, how to test it, and the treatment and prevention of DKA.
References
Diabetic Ketoacidosis | Diabetes | CDC
Ketones in Urine: All You Need to Know | H.V.M.N. Blog (hvmn.com)
What is considered a normal blood sugar level? (mymed.com)
How to Measure Blood Ketone and Glucose Levels – Keto (ketogenic.com)
