Keytone Confusion

alabaster_angel

Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on my situation for me.

I tested negative for GD but am considered high-risk because of my medical history (nerve disease).

Because of the babies large size they have decided to have me test my glucose five times a day just to be sure I didn't have a false negative for diabetes. All my numbers look good, I feel great, etc etc..

But they've also been having me test my keytones every morning and those numbers are as high as the testing strips go. I understand the basic idea of what it's testing and what it means.

What I don't understand or haven't been able to find much information about is my particular circumstance: NOT having GD, but still having incredibly high levels of keytones.

Anyone have any information about this to share?

orthomom

Ketones can indicate GD but can also indicate that you haven't eaten in a while. Try testing later in the day to see if they are still there. I am not sure why they would have you test ketones in the morning because everyone has a little ketones at that time. Since yours are really high...maybe you need a midnight snack (glass of milk, piece of peanut butter toast or yogurt). It could be that you have mild GD. Did you pass a hr blood glucose or a longer test? One hour screening tests do miss about 10% of women who have GD? I think the fact that your daily blood glucose levels are good is an excellent sign. I can't fathom why they want you to test ketones. I could understand why they would want you to test glucose in your urine but not the ketones since your blood glucose numbers are good. Try the midnight snack and I bet your ketones go down.

moonrose2715

I had high keytones prior to my GD diagnosis.  The doctor told me that I probably wasn't eating enough and/or drinking enough.

My understanding is that keytones are high because your body is getting rid of proteins.  This happens when your body isn't getting enough nutrients so it is "feeding" off itself.  Great for dieting and weightloss, bad for pregnancy.

I don't know how the water factors in, other than not enough water means everything gets inappropriately concentrated.

alabaster_angel

Thanks ladies - I'll have to chat with my midwife more at my appointment on Monday. It's just been confusing!