Ketones in Urine: Test, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Ketones are an alternative source of energy in case of carbohydrate (sugar) deficiency. This article explains the signs and symptoms of ketone bodies in urine, how to measure them, and what the results may indicate.



◉ What is ketones?

Ketone is a byproduct of fat breakdown. It forms when there is insufficient glucose to fuel the cells and the body must burn fat instead. It is produced by the process of ketogenesis in the liver and can be used as an energy source by the brain when glucose is limited.

High ketonemia (blood ketone levels) is toxic to the body and could make our blood too acidic (ketoacidosis). In this case, our kidneys try to eliminate them from the body through our urine (ketonuria).

Ketone bodies include: acetoacetate, acetone and beta-hydroxybutyrate.

◉ Normal value of ketones in the urine

The normal values of ketones in the urine may vary slightly depending on the laboratories and the measurement methods used. However, in general, normal urine ketone levels are considered to be below 0.5 mmol/L (<5 mg/L).

◉ Causes

The presence of ketones in urine can mean very different things to people with different conditions.

◉ When should I dose ketones?

You, or your doctor, may consider testing for ketones in your urine in the following situations:

◉ How to detect ketone in urine?

The test for ketones in urine is often done to help monitor people who are more likely to develop high levels of ketones.

Procédure

To detect the presence of ketone bodies in the urine, you can use specific test strips designed to measure ketones.

It is important to carefully follow the instructions that come with the specific test strips you are using, as procedures may vary slightly by brand and model.

Results

The ketonuria test is read by comparing the color of the test strip to a color chart provided by the manufacturer. The color of the test strip will change depending on the level of ketones in the urine sample.

ketones by test strip

Urine ketone test


Note: You should consult your doctor if your urine ketone test shows abnormal values, especially if you have diabetes

◉ Ketone bodies in urine during pregnancy

During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, the production of ketones is increased. This occurs due to increased maternal insulin resistance and increasing energy requirements of the fetus, which consequently leads to increased maternal lipolysis.

The presence of ketone bodies in urine during pregnancy can be of concern and requires appropriate medical attention.

◉ Treatment

The treatment for the presence of ketones in the urine depends on the underlying cause of this anomaly (adjust your dose of insulin, Rehydration, Diet control, etc.). It is important to consult your doctor to assess the situation and determine the appropriate treatment plan.


Sources

  1. Brady Holmer : Ketones in Urine: All You Need to Know
  2. princeedwardisland - Diabète et cétones
  3. medlineplus - Urobilinogen in Urine
  4. Diagnox - What is Urobilinogen in Urine?
  5. drugs.com - Blood and Urine Ketones
  6. healthlibrary - Ketone Bodies (Urine)
  7. Five Things to Know About Ketones
  8. Dr Colin Tidy - Urine Ketones
  9. Shamard Charles, MD, MPH - Symptoms of Ketones in Urine
  10. What Are Ketones and Their Tests?
  11. Marloes Dekker Nitert ; Leonie K. Callaway ; Helen L. Barrett - Ketones in Pregnancy: Why Is It Considered Necessary to Avoid Them and What Is the Evidence Behind Their Perceived Risk?