Ketones in urine
Ketones in the urine form when the body burns fat instead of sugar for fuel — during fasting, a low-carbohydrate diet or when insulin is lacking. They are a by-product of fat breakdown.
This marker is reported as negative or positive on the strip; the app rates it qualitatively, not against a numeric range.
Why it matters
ECLM: with fasting/low-carb diet or uncontrolled diabetes; context.
If it’s low
The absence of ketones is normal on a usual diet.
If it’s high
Ketones in the urine are often harmless (fasting, keto diet, physical exercise). IN DIABETES with high sugar and feeling unwell, however, they can mean ketoacidosis — an emergency.
What to do
In a healthy person (fasting/keto) ketones are expected. IN DIABETES with ketones + high sugar + feeling unwell (thirst, vomiting, rapid breathing) → EMERGENCY HELP.
Read together with
Fasting glucose · Glucose in urine
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
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