HomeAnswersNephrologyketoneIs the presence of ketones in urine a sign of kidney damage?
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Do ketones in urine mean kidney damage?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Pankaj Jawandhiya

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 27, 2017
Reviewed AtJuly 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 5 feet and 5 inches, 112 lbs and eat a normal diet. I recently had a urine test with trace ketones, although negative for glucose. My test showed cloudy clarity and presence of crystals. All the other values on the urine test were normal. I also had normal blood tests. My doctor is referring me to a nephrologist. Do you think my doctor suspects a kidney disease? I researched ketones and what it means for kidney function. The more I read, the more confusing all this becomes. Thank you for any information as I wait to see a nephrologist.

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Jawandhiya

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • The body generally uses glucose as its source of energy. When it uses fat as a source of energy, ketones are formed. It is a common finding in diabetes, called as diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • It can also occur during starvation when glucose is not available as an energy source. So, if you are on a diet, that may be the cause.
  • About crystals, are you on any drugs or sulfa medications?
  • Do you have a burning sensation during urination?

For more information consult a nephrologist online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/nephrologist

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply. I am not on any drugs, nor am I having any burning or pain when urinating. My doctor has ruled out diabetes because of no glucose in the urine and normal blood glucose numbers. So, what could be the reason for ketones in urine? I had fasted for my blood test, but my doctor did not seem to think that was the reason for the presence of the ketones. My main question is, is it necessary to see a nephrologist based on my urine reports?

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Jawandhiya

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • If the urine sample was stored for a long time after the collection, it is one of the causes of a cloudiness.
  • If you are of a thin build, even a mild fasting can cause trace ketones.
  • I suggest you repeat the urine routine test and send me the reports.

For more information consult a nephrologist online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/nephrologist

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Do ketones in urine mean kidney damage? Do you have any major concerns as a nephrologist based on my urine analysis?

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Jawandhiya

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • No, There is nothing much to worry about as long as it is in traces.
  • Regarding a cloudy urine, please consider a urine culture after a routine urine test.

For more information consult a nephrologist online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/nephrologist

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you so much.

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Jawandhiya

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome.

For more information consult a nephrologist online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/nephrologist

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Pankaj Jawandhiya
Dr. Pankaj Jawandhiya

Nephrology

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