when i was pregnant they tested my urine and found high levels of ketones. They accused me of not eating enough, but i had gained 5 lbs in a week so of course that wasn't the problem. Shortly there after i was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. That was 11 yrs ago. Recently, i had a urine test and again they found ketones. I have had some low blood sugar levels in the past and lately have been having some sleeping problems. My doctor didn't act to concerned, but wants to do some follow up. What can this all mean. My maternal grandmother has type 11 diabetes. I am at normal wieght for my hieght.

Here is some info from Medicine plus encyclopedia.... explains better then I could..Have you been given a Blood glucose test? Or just the Urine test?


A ketones urine test measures the presence or absence of ketones in the urine.



Urine ketones are usually measured as a "spot test" with a dipstick containing a color-sensitive pad impregnated with specific chemicals which react with ketone bodies. A color change is a qualitative indicator of the presence of ketones.

A positive test may indicate:

* Metabolic abnormalities, including uncontrolled diabetes or glycogen storage disease
* Abnormal nutritional conditions, including starvation, fasting, anorexia, high protein or low carbohydrate diets
* Protracted vomiting, including hyperemesis gravidarum
* Disorders of increased metabolism, including hyperthyroidism, fever, acute or severe illness, burns, pregnancy, lactation or post-surgical condition

Special considerations

Special diets may alter test results. For example, a diet consisting of low amounts of carbohydrates with high amounts of protein and fat may effect the ketone levels.

Drugs that may cause false positive measurements include glucocorticoids.

when i was pregnant i had a glucose test done, and next week i am scheduled for another one. After having gestational diabetes is it possible to develope diabetes later? and if so what type?

Angltin,
Women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk for developing diabetes later in life, usually Type 2.

When the body cannot utilize the glucose circulating in the blood for fuel due to either a lack of insulin, insulin resistance, or a combination of both, the body starts burning fat and muscle tissue for fuel instead. Ketones are a byproduct of this process. In a person who has no glucose because they are low-carbing, ketones are usually not too serious. However, the combination of ketones and high blood sugar can create a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be very dangerous and even fatal.

The fact that you had gestational diabetes and produced ketones then, and the fact that you are producing ketones now, should be a huge red flag to your doctor. Unless you are eating an extremely low carb diet, like Atkins, there is no reason your body should be producing ketones unless you are, indeed, diabetic and not processing glucose properly.

Have you had any fasting blood glucose tests? Do you know what the results were? Do you have a monitor so you can test yourself? I would not let your doctor brush this off...if you are diabetic, the sooner you get appropriate treatment, the better.

A glucose tolerance test may be in order. At the least, you should have a couple of fasting blood glucose tests done and an A1c.

Ruth

i have only had a glucose test done so far, but my glucose level was extremly low like 42 the first time. Last week i had another test my blood sugar level was 210. That is when i had the urine test done and it showed the ketones. He scheduled more testing for june 6th, but doesnt think there is concern considering i am only in my thirtys and my weight is very normal....125lbs. Could my diet cause my blood sugar to fluctuate that drastically?

angltin2005....
I was 35 when diagnosed...it can happen at any time...
There are all sorts of factors that can fluctuate your sugars...diet...excercise and stress...all of these combined can affect your sugars...
It is good you doc has planned more tests...
Keep us updated as you go...
Good Luck!

i have only had a glucose test done so far, but my glucose level was extremly low like 42 the first time. Last week i had another test my blood sugar level was 210. That is when i had the urine test done and it showed the ketones. He scheduled more testing for june 6th, but doesnt think there is concern considering i am only in my thirtys and my weight is very normal....125lbs. Could my diet cause my blood sugar to fluctuate that drastically?

With a blood glucose of 42, and another one at 210, it's possible that you have hypoglycemia, which can be a precursor for Type 2 diabetes.

At any rate, it needs to be checked out.

Ruth