Diabetes and ketones

What are ketones?

The body produces ketones if there is no glucose to use for energy and therefore the body breaks down fat instead. As the fat is broken down ketones are a waste product that is made.

In people who do not have diabetes, a low level of ketones is normal, and not harmful. They appear during fasting and after prolonged exercise. In people without diabetes, glucose, insulin and ketones work together to supply the body with the energy it needs.

In Type 1 diabetes ketones are produced when there is not sufficient insulin available to provide energy from glucose.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis?

Ketones are acidic. A low level of ketones will not have much effect, but as the levels increase, and the blood contains a significant level, it will become acidic. The name for this is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a significant risk for people with Type 1 diabetes. At very high ketone levels, DKA requires emergency medical treatment. If untreated it can be fatal.

The first signs of DKA are increased urinalysis and thirst, while later symptoms can include nasea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration.