Urine Tests for Diabetes (cont.)
Urine Testing For Severe Hyperglycemia
Sometimes, your health care provider may perform a urine test to
determine if your blood glucose is dangerously high and if you are producing
substances called ketones. Ketones are the by-product of the fat burning
process that occurs in the absence of insulin. When a person with diabetes
develops v, or high blood glucose, if there is not enough
insulin around (type 1 diabetes) or if their body is unable to utilize the
insulin properly (type 2 diabetes) and break down glucose, the body turns to
fat stores to create energy for the cells. While ketones can be a source of
energy for many cells, they can be toxic in large amounts and cause a
life-threatening emergency condition called ketoacidosis.
Ketone levels can be measured in the urine by your doctor or by using an
over-the-counter kit at home.
How Do I Test for Ketones?
Testing for ketones involves dipping a test strip into your urine. The test strip changes color and is then compared to a color chart.
When Should I Test for Ketones?
If you have type 1 diabetes, test your urine for ketones when:
- You feel sick (have a cold, the flu or other illness) and have nausea or vomiting
- You are pregnant
- You have consistently high blood sugars
If you have type 2 diabetes, you have a very low chance of developing
ketoacidosis, even if you are on insulin therapy. However, during severe
illnesses, it is possible that ketoacidosis may develop.
You should test your urine for ketones when:
- You feel severely sick (have a cold, the flu or other illness) and/or have unexplained nausea or vomiting.
- Your blood glucose level is high (over 300 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL) and continues to rise throughout the day.
Next: When should I call my doctor? »
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