Health Information
Ketones
Test Overview
A ketone test checks for Reference ketones Opens New Window in your blood or urine. Ketones are substances that are made when the body breaks down fat for energy. Normally, your body gets the energy it needs from Reference carbohydrate Opens New Window in your diet. But stored fat is broken down and ketones are made if your diet does not contain enough carbohydrate to supply the body with sugar (glucose) for energy or if your body can't use blood sugar (glucose) properly.
Some home blood sugar meters can also measure ketone levels in the blood. Home urine tests to measure ketones are available.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 5, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology |
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