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Understanding your test results?
How to use your test results
Blood glucose test results
Before testing for ketones test your blood glucose. The results will help you to decide what to do next.
| Blood glucose level | Level before meals or when you haven't eaten | What should you do |
| Normal | 4.0 - 7.0 mmol/L | No need to do anything. Carry on with your usual blood glucose testing. |
| A little bit high | 7.0 -10.0 mmol/L | Carry on with your usual blood glucose testing. Contact your diabetes care team to have your treatment checked if your levels are often in this range before meals. |
| High | 10.0 - 16.7 mmol/L | Carry on checking your blood glucose every 2-4 hours until it is below 10 mmol/L. If it goes on rising, or if you feel ill, check your blood ketones and follow the advice on the next page. |
| Very high | Over 16.7 mmol/L | Check your blood ketones and follow the advice on the next page. Carry on checking your blood glucose every 2 - 4 hours until it is below 10 mmmol/L. |
Blood ketone test results
Normal blood ketone levels are slightly different from person to person. This table will help you decide if you need to do anything and what you should do. Remember, it is far better to be careful, so if you are not sure contact your diabetes care team straightaway.
| Blood ketone level | What you should do |
| Below 0.6 mmol/L | Readings below 0.6 mmol/L are in the normal range. Follow your healthcare professional's advice before making any changes to your diabetes medication programme.
Specific advise |
| Between 0.6 and 1.5 mmol/L | Readings in this range, with a blood glucose level higher than 16.7 mmol/L, may indicate the development of a problem. Follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Specific advise |
| More than 1.5 mmol/L | Readings above 1.5 mmol/L, with a blood glucose level higher than 16.7 mmol/L, suggest you may be at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Specific advise |
Call your doctor or diabetes care team if you are worried.
