My doctor is sending me to be tested for diabetes. Will being in ketosis from a low carb diet effect my test result? I dont understand whats happening when in ketosis. But I am in ketosis right now and wondering if I should change that?

Ketosis is a state in which there are abnormally high levels of ketones in the blood. The normal body fuel is glucose, but ketones are produced when there isn’t enough glucose in the blood, and fats have to be used as fuel. Fats used as fuel are converted to ketones. Ketosis can occur as a result of starvation, a diet high in fats/low in carbs, toxic chemical exposure, or as a result of untreated diabetes.

Unlike other causes of ketosis, with untreated diabetes the blood glucose is high, not low or absent. But because the glucose can’t be used as fuel (because of the lack of insulin), ketosis can occur. Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called "Ketosis-prone Diabetes" because the body does not produce insulin at all and unless insulin is injected, ketosis can occur. On the other hand, Type 2 Diabetes is sometimes called "ketosis-resistant Diabetes" because the body still produces insulin and ketosis is less likely to occur as a result of the diabetes.

To answer your question, it depends on the type of test you are having done, but it is possible that ketosis will alter your test results. Because there is likely an abnormally low level or absence of glucose in your blood, it will be difficult to know if your test results are accurate. If you are having a Glucose Tolerance Test, they will be able to see your body's response to the glucose you consume, but that may not be an accurate result either, because your body may respond differently coming directly out of ketosis compared to normal conditions.

How long have you been in ketosis? Have you discussed this with your doctor? Its important that they know.

I suggest you read dr atkins book as he says his diet is good for controlling diabetes ans talks of different types of ketosis

I suggest you read dr atkins book as he says his diet is good for controlling diabetes ans talks of different types of ketosis

There are those who believe that Atkins Diet will help control diabetes, and it has proven effective for some individuals. My understanding is that the type of ketosis induced by untreated T1 diabetes is far more dangerous than a self-induced state of ketosis caused by diet.

But this question was about if being in the state of ketosis would effect a diagnostic test - my answer is yes, I think it could.

There are also different types of ketosis. Someone on a diet might have "Dietary Ketosis" especially in the morning after fasting through the night. The type of ketosis that a type 1 diabetic gets is actually called "Diabetic Ketoacidosis". These are two extremely different conditions!!!

Ketosis is burning fat instead of relying on glucose for energy. It is considered somewhat safe in the short term and the body functions normally through it.

Ketoacidosis is a toxic buildup of glucose in the blood. You can not absorb glucose without insulin connected with the cell. When there is not enough insulin, the glucose just builds up. This can lead to an acid reaction in the blood. Since you can't use the glucose for fuel, you burn fat and muscle cells. A person in ketoacidosis is literally starving to death. Anytime one goes into ketoacidosis, many things are happening. The body also rapidly loses Potassium and Sodium so the elctrolytes are thrown off.

You should not have to change your diet as some levels of ketones are not worrysome. It is easy to tell the difference between ketoacidosis and ketosis on a blood test as in the first case, so many things other than ketones are not as they should be. Good luck

But here is my question... if a person is in "dietary ketosis", that means that there is little or no glucose in their blood from the food they consume. So if that person were being tested for diabetes (a fasting glucose), the result might show up completely normal, when in fact, if they were eating a "normal diet" they would actually have a test result reflective of diabetes. Isn't this possible? It seems that in this case, the only test that would be effective would be a GTT, but that would take the person out of the state of ketosis. Anyone know about this???? I am just hypothesizing!!!

IMO, a Dr would be neglectful to go on one blood sample alone.. Unless he was doing an A1c in the bloodwork. Even then, I would insist on being tested with a typical diet and carb intake. You want to see what your pancreas does when pushed even within normal limits. Using ketones to diagnose diabetes isn't a good idea as there are other health conditions, namely pancreatitis, that can produce ketones even though the person is not a diabetic.

A Dr worth is weight in salt will use history, lab findings, and lifestyle among other things to help them come up with an idea of what is going on and how to treat it. HTH