Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal is suffering from diabetes. Due to this, he has to follow a very balanced lifestyle. In such a situation, after his arrest in March, his weight started decreasing very rapidly.
According to media reports, he has still not recovered from it. Along with this, the ketone level of the body has also been found to be increased in the test. Which the doctor has described as worrying. In such a situation, what is the ketone level? What should be its quantity in the body? What will happen if its quantity increases in the body of a diabetic patient? Knowing the answers to such questions is also very important for your health.
What is a ketone?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Ketones are a type of acid that is formed in the body during fat burning. The body usually uses glucose for energy which is obtained from the diet. But when glucose production decreases, the body starts breaking down fat for energy. As a result, ketones are formed in the liver and are flushed out of the body through urine via the blood vessels.
Why are ketones important?
Ketones provide energy to your brain and body in the absence of glucose. It is a kind of backup energy production plan for the body. Energy is obtained from it when the main source of energy i.e. glucose level in the body is low.
How many ketones should there be?
In a blood test, a ketone level of less than .6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) is considered normal, .6 to 1.5 mmol/L is considered a moderate risk, 1.6 to 2.9 mmol/L is considered a high risk of DKA and more than 3.0 mmol/L is considered an emergency. Let us tell you that ketone levels are tested in two ways – blood test and urine test. A blood test is better for accurate information. Ketone levels are known only a few hours before the urine test.
What will happen if its level increases in diabetes?
According to NCBI, high levels of ketones make the blood toxic and acidic. This is a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Its high level in a diabetic patient is called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). If its treatment is not started immediately, it increases the risk of the patient going into a coma.
Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis
Feeling thirsty frequently
urinating more frequently than usual
Vomiting and diarrhea
stomach pain
Dryness of skin and mouth
fast, deep breathing
Headache
muscle stiffness or pain
The illusion of fatigue
What to do if ketones are high?
Monitor insulin and blood sugar levels daily as ketone levels increase. Make a diet plan that includes carbohydrates to increase glucose levels. Drink plenty of water so that ketones can be easily flushed out of the body.