Gestational Diabetes - Testing ketones?

samanthasmith8

I was diagnosed with GD at 27 weeks. I've been diet controlled since then, testing my blood sugar 4 times a day (fasting and after each meal). My doctor never mentioned testing for ketones, though... I've seen a number of older posts where women with GD mention their ketone levels. Is there anyone else with GD who is not testing for ketones? I'm wondering why my doctor never discussed this with me. Could it be because I'm diet controlled and not (yet) on insulin? Gah! This whole thing has been confusing. Anyone's input would be great.

KateLouise

I was diet controlled right up to the end, diagnosed at 32 weeks.

I went into the gestational diabetes clinic (I'm in NZ, and they run a weekly clinic for pregnant women with GD at the hospital, that you go to as required depending on how far along you are) 3 times and each time they tested my urine for sugar, protein and ketones. no one really discussed it or mentioned it though. In fact it was only after delivering and reading through some of my notes that I noticed that at 38 weeks my levels of ketones had been noted as high.

So perhaps he is testing but not mentioning if they're normal?

ljhgrey

I have GD and don't test for ketones. Just four sugar checks a day and I'm on insulin at night to control fasting numbers. I honestly forget what the nurse said about why I didn't have to check ketones, but I don't think it's necessary for all GD patients.

samanthasmith8

Thank you for the responses! It sounds like it's probably something I don't need to worry too much about then. I'll ask my doctor about it at the next appointment and update this if I get any good information on why they sometimes do/don't test ketones.

PedsIsHardcore

Ketones are something usually seen if you are type1 or type 2 diabetic. I'm type 1 and we can go into life threatening DKA at a 180 blood sugar. If blood sugar is normal and there are ketones present, it means that we are getting dehydrated. With GD I am not aware the same applies, but I'm not an Endo or OB.

bbrianax

I have to check mine. I was diagnosed at 18 weeks.