Introduction
When the body breaks down fat to produce energy, it produces a type of acid called ketones. Slight traces of ketones in the urine are not a matter of concern. This happens when the body cannot get sufficient amounts of glucose for energy. Instead, it starts using the fats stored in the body. However, when the levels rise, it is time to attend to the alarming signs the body sends.
What Are Ketones?
Generally, glucose is the primary source of energy for the human body. Ketones are produced in the body when sufficient glucose is not available for energy. The body uses the stored fats to meet its energy requirements. Ketones are essential to maintain a healthy body. It is normal to have trace amounts of ketones at certain periods, mainly sleeping, fasting, or during certain types of diets. People with uncontrolled diabetes require glucose to use glucose as fuel. Protein and lipids will be used as the person's energy sources if body does not produce enough insulin. This process results in the synthesis of ketones and the accumulation of ketones. This condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis. A heart attack, stroke, infection, elevated stress levels, or physical trauma can also cause it. It is a potentially fatal condition and one of the earliest indications of diabetes before the condition is diagnosed in a laboratory.
What Causes Ketone in Urine?
Some health conditions can cause an increase in ketones in the blood. It can include:
-
A Ketogenic diet (a low-carbohydrate diet where energy is received from fats and proteins).
-
Pregnancy.
-
Fasting for long hours.
-
Alcohol use disorder.
-
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
-
Trauma.
-
Diabetes.
-
Sepsis (a condition where the body reacts to an infection).
Who Is at Increased Risk for Ketone in Urine?
There are several reasons why ketone levels can become unusually elevated. Ketonuria (presence of ketone bodies in urine) can happen during extended fasting periods or when adhering to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy. There can be some medical conditions that might also cause the body to use fat for energy.
In a diabetic person, the body either produces insufficient insulin or no longer reacts to the insulin produced. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is converted into energy. A diabetic person either produces too little insulin or the insulin produced is not efficient in transferring glucose into the cells. As a result, glucose accumulates in the blood. This makes the cells starve for more glucose. The body produces more ketones to burn fat, and the cells use body fat as fuel when this happens. This is known as ketosis.
Ketosis is generally safe when the ketone levels are low. However, ketoacidosis can happen if ketone levels grow very high or if ketosis persists for a longer period of time. A condition where ketone bodies accumulate in the blood is called ketoacidosis. By increasing the burning of fat cells, ketosis alone may aid in weight loss. However, ketoacidosis raises the pH (the state of how high acidic or alkaline liquid is) range to dangerously high levels.
What Is the Difference Between Ketosis and Ketoacidosis?
Restricting the amount of carbohydrates consumed daily to under 50 grams causes the body to create less insulin and glucose. The body's metabolism changes course when less carbohydrates are consumed. The cells use the ketone bodies produced when fat is broken down by it as fuel. This is called nutritional ketoacidosis. Studies show that moving from burning glucose to burning ketone bodies, in the long run, may be adaptive and shield the body from oxidative damage. Since the blood ketone concentration is low, ketosis is regarded as safe. It is not the same as ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous illness. The concentration is high enough in ketoacidosis to make the blood acidic. This can impact the health negatively.
What Are the Signs of Ketosis and Ketoacidosis?
The signs usually seen in these conditions are:
-
Fruity smelling urine.
-
Tiredness.
-
Confusion.
-
Loss of appetite.
-
Abdominal pain.
-
Difficulty in breathing.
-
Difficulty falling asleep.
-
Vomiting.
-
Nausea.
-
Gets tired quickly from exercising.
How Is Ketone Urine Test Done?
A ketone urine test can be done at home or in a laboratory. A cleansing wipe, a container used to collect the sample, is given along with the instructions required for collecting the sample. The instructions must be followed appropriately so that germs from the body do not enter the sample, and prevent contamination. The first urine flow must be discarded, and the middle stream must be collected into the container. The container has markings on how much urine will be collected. Care must be taken not to touch the container against the body. The cap must be tightened properly to prevent any leakage. Individuals with hemorrhoids or menstruation must inform the laboratory before the test.
What Other Tests Can Reveal Ketone in the Body?
Other tests can reveal ketone bodies in the body. These can include:
-
Blood sugar.
-
Protein.
-
Acid level (pH).
-
Ketone level in the blood.
When Should One Be Concerned About Ketone Levels?
A urine test is advised by medical professionals to check the ketone levels when they suspect a patient has diabetes. Other conditions where one can keep track of ketone levels can include:
-
A patient who shows symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.
-
Following a trauma or injury.
-
A patient who has missed one or more insulin injections.
-
Patients with high blood sugar levels.
-
Pregnancy (especially if the patient has gestational diabetes).
Conclusion
It is normal to have traces of ketones in the urine. In addition, it is generally nothing to be concerned about. However, if the levels rise beyond normal, it can be a matter of concern. Proper diagnosis on why it is caused, and appropriate treatment should be taken. Leaving it unattended can lead to further complications, which can be life-threatening.
