The presence of ketone bodies in the urine, a situation called ketonuria, is usually a sign that there is an increase in the degradation of lipids to generate energy, since carbohydrate stores are compromised, which can happen in cases of decompensated diabetes, prolonged fasting or restricted diet, for example.
The measurement of ketone bodies in urine is used mainly in people with type 1 diabetes in order to verify the person's response to treatment. Thus, when insulin treatment is not carried out as instructed by the doctor, it is possible to identify a high amount of ketone bodies, characterizing ketonuria.
Causes of ketone bodies in urine
The presence of ketone bodies in the urine can be the result of several situations, the main ones being:
- Decompensated type 1 diabetes; Diabetic ketoacidosis; Prolonged fasting; Pancreatic problems; Excessive exercise; Low-carb, high-fat diet; Pregnancy; Frequent vomiting.
Thus, positive ketone bodies in the urine are not always a sign of problems, and may only indicate that the person is fasting or is on a very restrictive diet, for example.
However, when the presence of ketone bodies is accompanied by symptoms or a large amount of sugar in the blood, it can mean that the person has decompensated diabetes, it is important to consult an endocrinologist so that the treatment is started as soon as possible, avoiding complications.
How the exam is done
The amount of ketone bodies in the urine can be measured by means of a conventional urine test, in which the color change in the ribbon used in this test can be observed, indicating ketonuria.
However, it is important that this value is confirmed by performing another urine test or blood test, since the person's degree of hydration, for example, can interfere with the result, providing false positive results when the person is dehydrated, or false negative when the person drinks a lot of water.
Understand how the urine test is done.
Symptoms of ketone bodies in urine
Normally when there are ketone bodies in the urine, there is also in the blood, which is called ketosis. It is possible to identify the presence of ketone bodies through some symptoms such as excessive thirst, the urge to pee frequently, breath with a metallic taste and nausea, for example. Know how to recognize the symptoms of ketosis.
What to do
It is important that the excess of ketone bodies in both urine and blood is investigated and treated by the doctor, since the accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood can result in several health problems, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, acidosis and even really, eat.
From the identification of the cause of ketonuria, the doctor can indicate the use of insulin, replacement of fluids intravenously or the adequacy of the diet, so that it contains ideal amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fat in the diet.
