Gestational Diabetes Ketone testing?

This is my third time around with gestational diabetes. The first time was undiagnosed (my son was born w/low blood sugar), the second time was diagnosed late, and my son was born at almost 9lbs two days late with perfect blood sugar since I watched what I ate like a hawk near delivery time especially. Okay, so third time around, I'm in a new state where apparently they are much more serious about GD. I have a new glucose tester (thank goodness for alternative test sites in lieu of fingertip testing!) and for the first time ever, I've got Ketone test strips. I'd used them once upon a time when I was on Atkins briefly, but I used my first one this morning, and it showed trace amounts of ketones in my urine. My question is this: How much does there have to be before it's a concern? The nurse who prescribed the tests told me that one of her doctors puts folks on insulin JUST for the ketones, regardless of glucose numbers. I don't want to do insulin if I can avoid it. Any thoughts?

Ketones, are actually the remnants of fats that are burned.They can be compared to the stuff seen on an exhaust pipe of an automobile. If you are careful with the amount of sugars and carbs that you are injesting and your insulin is stable, I don't think there is a problem at all. Actually, the sign of ketones in your blood is demonstrative of stable insulin<<< unless the diabetes was type 1 and you are spilling tons of ketones. This then is a sign of ketoacidosis, which is something you definitely don't want. If you had ketoacidosis, I don't think that you would have been able to post your inquisition.>>>

So if you are showing trace amounts of ketones, your insulin is, no doubt, stable. Stable insulin activates the pancreas to produce glucagon, a hormone that partners with insulin in glucose stability. If insulin is too high, the pancreas will not produce glucagon because glucagon's job is to raise glucose levels as they drop too low. It takes 2 hormones, not one, to keep blood glucose levels stable. As glucagon rises it enhances lipolysis ( fat burning also known as ketosis ) which , creates the ketones that the body doesn't use. In turn the body disposes of them, not only in the urine, but also in the perspiration and breath. This is a normal body function just like child birth.

Cheers

It's true that trace amounts of ketones, especially first thing in the morning, are normal.

Also, do not be overly concerned about the possiblity of going on insulin. It is far better for your baby than running high blood sugars.

I think you're seeing increased diligence regarding GD because we have learned more about how serious it is for the fetus - beyond just being large and being born with low blood sugar. Early high blood sugars cause birth defects, and that don't have to be that high. Late high blood sugars can cause fetal demise.

It's great that you're keeping on top of it!

Also, ignore spam-scam cures for diabetes such as the diabetes zone dot com. These would be very dangerous to your baby.