Urinary ketone testing helps identify the body's metabolic state and potential health issues:
- Diet and Energy Metabolism
- Testing shows whether the body is in a state of ketosis due to low carbohydrate intake, fasting, or increased physical activity.
- Diabetes Management
- High ketone levels in urine can indicate poor blood sugar control or insulin deficiency in individuals with diabetes, particularly type 1. This can help identify the onset of ketoacidosis.
- Starvation or Eating Disorders
- Elevated ketones in urine may signal prolonged calorie restriction, malnutrition, or disordered eating patterns.
- Pregnancy Health
- Monitoring ketones during pregnancy helps ensure proper maternal and fetal health, as elevated ketones may indicate inadequate nutrition or gestational diabetes.