Ketosis - Medtick

Ketosis

What is it?

A short term metabolism process where the body burns fat instead of glucose.

  • It is a very popular diet process (which is high in fat , fibre and protein)  where one aims to be in the ‘ketosis’ state.
  • Advantages include:
    • More fat burn
    • Reduced hunger
    • Stable and/or lower blood sugar levels (avoid spikes in of sugar levels)
    • Support good brain function increased mental focus
    • Liver converts fats to ketones

Urine tests

  • One can use urine test strips to check if they are ketosis , acidity (see also metabolic acidosis) and/or ketoacidosis (Ketoacidosis is when one does not produce enough insulin which helps to move sugar from the blood into ones organs and cells.
  • This then causes to much sugar in the blood, the body then burns ketones in fat (a complication of diabetes particularly Diabetes type-1).
  • In the ketosis phase it is normal to have blood ketone levels of: 0.5-3.0 mmol/L.

American Diabetes association

Ketoacidosis occurs when ketone levels are above 5 mmol/l, this level is dangerous

Cause

  • Aim to be in ‘Ketosis’ state by eating more fat based products and less glucose base products
  • Starvation and/or fasting

Illicit drugs

  • Overdose or substance abuse:
    • Cocaine
    • Ethylene glycol
    • Methanol
    • Paraldehyde
    • Salicylate

Symptoms

  • High levels of ketones in the blood (but not as high as ketoacidosis)?
  • Low blood sugar levels in the body?
  • Bad breath?
  • Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
  • Long term persistent indigestion and/or frequent heartburn and/or constant abdominal pain and swelling?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
  • Difficult to concentrate and/or difficulty in concentrating and/or memory problems?
  • Irritated, depressed, anxiety and/or panic attack and/or emotional (laugh or cry for no reason)?
  • Having temper outbursts?
  • Feeling cold?
  • Diagnosed Anaemic (i.e. lack of oxygen in blood, due to lack of iron, folic acid and/or heavy blood loss)?
  • Cold and flu infection?
  • Chest infection?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for ambulance if have or develop:


This condition can lead to:


General tips

  • Monitor blood glucose regularly
  • Avoid exercise if ketone levels are present in urine and/or have high blood glucose levels (speak to Medical Doctor first).
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Avoid skipping meals
  • Persons who have diabetes should avoid ketosis and ‘Ketosis’-type diet.
Always talk to your Medical Doctor if one is considering an ‘Ketosis’-type diet.

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Ketosis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).