Ketone strip tests are an easy way to check for ketones in the body. They can be used by anyone with diabetes or epilepsy. But they are especially important if you have type 1 diabetes and take insulin.
Contents
Ketosis, Ketone & Ketone Strip Test
Ketosis
The liver produces hormones called “ketones” when we eat low carb and go into a state known as ketosis. In Ketosis, the liver produces ketones from fatty acids in your body. As a result, you can test at home to see if you’re producing this hormone or not because of your high fat intake.
Ketone
Ketones are a by-product of the process called Ketosis. They appear in our system when we start to use stored fats as an energy source instead of glucose. They may indicate that your blood sugar is too high, which could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Knowing what causes DKA and how it can happen will help you avoid this dangerous complication of type 1 diabetes.
Ketone Strip Test
Keto Strip Test are one of the most popular tests for monitoring ketone levels through urine samples and blood glucose readings. They are carried out by using Ketone test strips.
A Ketone test strip is a small piece of plastic that you place into your urine stream to determine if there is ketone presence in the water.
FACT: The presence of higher levels of Ketones means that your current diet allows your body to burn some fat, thus promoting weight loss.
Types of Ketone Test Strips
There are three types of Ketone test strips:
- Urine Type
- Blood Type
- Breath Type
It is important to note that the urinary type can only be purchased at a pharmacy as they require Urine Test Strips Rx (prescription). The other two options do not need any prescriptions for purchase.
NOTE: The most popular type of this advanced technology is the glucose/ketone monitor. But it can be expensive. Instead, there is a less expensive option: the keto breath meter.
Why To Test Ketones?
There are many reasons why people choose to test their ketone levels including:
- Epilepsy Management,
- Diabetes Management,
- Weight Loss,
- And More
Some individuals have medical conditions which require them to monitor their ketone levels. Others are looking for ways to improve health, lose weight or prevent disease through the use of a low carb diet and being in ketosis. Also, it may help lower your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Understanding DKA
Your body normally gets the glucose it needs from the food you eat.
When there isn’t enough insulin in your blood, or when your cells can’t use insulin correctly (insulin resistance), sugar builds up in your bloodstream instead of going into cells for energy.
This causes high blood sugar and makes you sick if not treated right away. As a result, your body starts breaking down fat instead of sugar to use for energy.
This causes a buildup of ketones in the blood and urine, which can lead to DKA.
NOTE: DKA is a serious complication in which large amounts of acids build up in the blood due to uncontrolled diabetes. It can lead to coma or death if not treated quickly with insulin.
Where To Find Ketone Test Strips?
Use the same ketone test strip for all older children and adults. Use a different kind of ketone test strip for each child who is under age five years, or has diabetes (uncontrolled) or other problems with glucose metabolism that can cause high blood sugar levels. Below are the listed options to buy yourself these strips:
- You can find ketones test strips at your local pharmacy, online stores, and some medical supply stores.
- You may also be able to get them through your insurance company or other health care plan if you have diabetes.
- If you have a reliable source of diabetes supplies that will deliver to your doorstep, then it’s best to stick with them.
- Also, you can buy the test strips online and have them delivered right to your doorstep.
- You can also purchase from local pharmacies if they offer home delivery services or opt for in-store pickup instead of having it shipped through the mail.
- Some stores like Walmart even carry these types of supplies at their stores.
NOTE: However, you have to be careful with some brands as they could give false results and trick you into thinking that you’re burning fat when in fact all is well.
When To Do The Ketone Strip Test?
Time
The best time to do a ketone test is in the morning after you wake up and before having breakfast or drinking coffee/tea. You can also choose some other hours of the day when you have not eaten anything apart from water for about three hours (e.g., between 20:00 and 23:00).
It’s important to test ketone levels early in the morning after at least three hours of sleep. This is because your body is at rest and any excess glucose from yesterday’s food is cleared out by then, allowing for a better reading on how well you’re doing with burning fat as energy.
However, if you are not a morning person or your schedule doesn’t allow this type of testing then don’t worry – any time during the day will do. You can also test before going to bed, but in this case, you should avoid eating for at least three hours before it.
NOTE: You can test your level of ketones multiple times during one day. However, it’s best to take a morning and an evening reading for accurate results.
Stage & States
Moreover, testing your urine for ketones is very important when you are on a strict low-carb diet, have type I or II diabetes, and in the following states:
- Hypoglycemia
- Ketosis and
- Ketoacidosis
How To Do The Ketone Strip Test?
Method
To find out if you have high levels of ketones in your system or not is very easy.
- All you need to do is urinate on the strip.
- Now, wait for a few seconds until it changes color (it will go from white/blank to purple).
- You can then match this color with the ones that are shown in your testing kit.
Thus, you will know if you’re body is using fat for energy.
Available Testing Methods
There are several options of testing methods listed below:
- Dip Strip (Galvanic Acid Assay)
- Ketosis Reagent Strips
- Acetate Tablet
You can choose one that fits your preferences best. You can buy a big package of them on Amazon and eBay.
NOTE: The only thing we advise before buying them is to read the instructions carefully and understand how they work before you start using them.
Benefits/Uses Of Ketone Strip Test
The main benefit of using Keto Test Strips:
- Determine if your body is using fat for energy or not.
- Detect DKA (Dangerously High Blood Ketones)
- To check whether your body is in ketosis.
- To see the level of hydration in your body. If it’s too high, then you have to drink more water and vice versa.
NOTE: You have to use this test strip regularly so that you do not miss out on any significant changes in your body.
Result Of Ketone Strip Test
The best way to use the ketone test strips is by comparing them with similar results from past tests. This will ensure that you are tracking your progress and getting a better understanding of how well you’re doing in staying on track with your diet.
It is important to understand that ketone test strips are not entirely accurate. A small amount of blood should be used for each ketone reading done with the testing strip. It should only be tested once per hour.
And even though urine can also indicate how much sugar or ketones you have in your system. It is not as reliable and can be affected by other factors in your body, such as what you’ve eaten.
Conclusion
The Keto Strips Test is an easy way to measure ketones in the urine. It’s a quick, accurate test that can be used at home or in the lab by medical professionals.
The best way to use these strips is by comparing them with similar results from past tests to track your progress. It allows you to get a better understanding of how well you are doing on the diet plan.
This article has given you information about how this test works and what it measures. If you are looking for more information on ketosis, please contact us through our website. Thank you again for reading!
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