In this Article

• Introduction
• Testing for diabetic kidney disease
• What happens if the microalbuminuria test is positive?
• Urine testing for severe hyper glycemia
• How do I test for ketones?
• When should I test for ketones?
• When should I call my doctor?
• How do I record my test results?
• Urine Tests for Diabetes Index

When Should I Call My Doctor?

The result of the urine test for ketones should always be negative. Any positive results should be reported to your health care provider immediately. You should also call your doctor right away if your blood glucose remains elevated or if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, sweet-smelling breath or if you are urinating excessively.

After contacting your doctor, you should:

• Drink plenty of water and fluids to try to decrease the amounts of ketones and maintain hydration.
• Continue to check your blood sugars intermittently; they may be high and you may need to give yourself a small amount of very rapid acting insulin. Your health care provider will give you instructions on what to do.
• Go to the local emergency room if instructed by your doctor to receive intravenous fluid and insulin therapy.

How Do I Record My Test Results?

Keep detailed records of any urine or ketone tests you perform. Your records can help alert you and your health care provider to any problems. Bring these records with you every time you visit your health care provider.

Reviewed by Certified Diabetes Educators in the Department of Patient Education and Health Information and by physicians in the Department of Endocrinology at The Cleveland Clinic.

Edited by Brunilda Nazario, MD, WebMD, October 2004.

Portions of this page copyright © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

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