Ketones in blood normal range

Ketones are chemical structures produced from the breakdown of fatty acids in the liver when the body cannot use glucose (or sugar) for energy. Instead of getting energy from carbohydrates or glucose, the body relies on energy from fat.

The production of ketones can occur during fasting, when following a low-carbohydrate diet (keto diet), or in people with diabetes when blood sugars are high and there is not enough insulin to utilize glucose.

People with diabetes who have elevated ketones can develop a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Without treatment, this condition is life-threatening.

How often should you check ketones on keto diet

Learn more about ketone levels, what they mean, and when to test for them.

Ketone Levels and What They Mean

If you have diabetes, you will want to understand the difference between trace, moderate, and high ketone levels and what to do in each circumstance.

Ketones typically develop when blood glucose levels are high.

People with diabetes can develop trace, moderate, and high ketone levels for a variety

when do you test your ketones

when should you check for ketones