How do you choose the right Ketone meter?

What are Ketones?

Our body needs energy to live and move. We all know glucose. It is produced in the stomach and intestines and provides the body with fuel. Insulin then helps to bring glucose into the cells where it is converted into energy.
 
When we have little glucose in our blood – by eating a limited amount of carbohydrates – the body switches to burning fat as fuel. Ketones are fatty bodies that are released when fats are burned.

Why should I pay attention to the amount of Ketones?

With an excess of ketones in the blood, your blood becomes too “acidic” and can – in extreme cases – lead to ketoacidosis. This literally acidifies the blood and organs and other bodily functions fail. So it is very important that you keep an eye on the concentration of ketones in your blood so that you can respond adequately.
 
What should you pay attention to?
 
The symptoms below may indicate that the amount of ketones in your blood is too high (> 6 mmol / L)
 
  • Thirsty and need to urinate frequently
  • Dry mouth
  • Breath that smells like acetone (sweetish apple or nail polish)
  • Abdominal pain and nausea
  • Throwing up
  • Blurred vision
  • Feeling dazed
If you eat healthy and varied you will not prevent this. For people with diabetes I, diabetes II with insulin administration and following a ketogenic (low carb) diet, it is essential to measure regularly.

When should I measure my ketones?

You are basically free to measure when you want, but it is wise to measure at least 2x.
 
You preferably measure in the morning before breakfast. That is the time when the level is lowest since we have not eaten (fasted) all night and we have used ketones for our energy. The value that comes out here gives you a good baseline.
 
The second time we test is before dinner.
 
In general, your values ​​are then highest. Because you have eaten during the day, these values ​​will be higher than in the morning

What does the result of a measurement say?

Ketone values
 
Light Ketosis: 0.5 mmol / L – 1.5 mmol / L
 
Optimal Ketosis: 1.5 mmol / L- 3.0 mmol / L
 
Deep Ketosis: 3.0 mmol / L- 6.0 mmol / L
 
Hazardous value:> 6.0 mmol / L
 
If you have a value below 0.6 mmol / L, it means that you have a normal ketone level. You don’t have to worry then.
 
Between 0.5 and 1.5 mmol / L you have a slightly increased ketone level.
 
A result between 1.5 and 3.0 mmol / L is called optimal ketosis. You then have a high level of ketones and burned fat for your energy supply.
 
Between 3.0 mmol / L and 6.0 mmol / L you are in deep ketosis. For people with Diabetes (I and II), this can lead to an increased risk of ketoacidosis. Keep a close eye on the level of the ketones and be aware of the symptoms (see above). If you experience any problems, please contact a healthcare provider immediately for advice.
 
If the ketone value exceeds 6.0 mmol / L, immediately contact the Doctor.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a Ketone meter?

First of all, it is important that you purchase a so-called “Dual” meter. It can measure both the Glucose and Ketone values ​​with the same device. By measuring both values ​​you get a better bearing of your metabolic health. Because even if you are in deep ketosis you could still have a high blood sugar value which does not benefit your health. If you know both values, you will be able to make better decisions about your health.
 
Second, it is important that you can measure the glucose and ketones on two different strips. This considerably increases the reliability of the result. You do not have two different enzymes on one strip that can influence the result.
 
It is also important to pay attention to the measuring range. A measuring range of 0.6 – 33.3 mmol / L (10 – 600mg / dL) for Glucose and 0 – 8.0 mmol / L for Ketones is optimal.
 
Finally, of course, you want the device to be able to quickly calculate, store, and require little blood to work properly.

Glucose and Ketones as part of the treatment

Fourteen percent of boys and seventeen percent of girls between the ages of four and fifteen are overweight. Being overweight at an early age increases the risk of physical problems such as back problems, injuries, aching joints, fatigue, but also diabetes.
 
Patients come to a physiotherapist with these complaints, injuries and physical problems that accompany them. It is therefore increasingly common for physiotherapists to measure the glucose value and the ketone value in order to point out one factor of these problems. They can then go to work to resolve the complaints and prevent new complaints from arising.
 

Physiotherapy for Diabetes

Exercise in diabetes has been shown to be important for a number of reasons:
Improve insulin sensitivity *
Improve glucose tolerance *
* have been scientifically proven in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
 
But also for:
  • Improve stamina
  • Improve muscle strength
  • Improve sense of balance
  • Improving general well-being
  • Improve body composition and weight
  • Reducing risks of cardiovascular disease, bone loss and the like
 
During the first appointment, the physiotherapist will carefully map out your complaints. Your health and daily functioning are discussed and examined, after which a treatment plan is drawn up with you. This treatment plan is tailored to your physical capabilities and wishes. This takes into account any other problems / complaints that affect your health.
 
Depending on your goals, the treatment may include:
  • Endurance training
  • Weight training
  • Balance and coordination exercises

Physiotherapy and the Ketogenic Diet

Not sure what you want to say… Besides diabetes – where ketones play an important role – it is even more important in people who follow a ketogenic diet. This diet is gaining popularity and helps people who are overweight or overweight. After all, the entire diet revolves around fat burning.
 
It is therefore very important that Physiotherapists check with the patient whether he / she is following this diet because this can influence the treatment plan. In addition, the diet can have a supportive effect on mobility and health.

Measuring Glucose and Ketones with the SwissPointofCare GK Dual Meter

Measuring glucose and ketones is made easy with the SwissPointofCare GK Dual Meter. With a few drops of blood you know your glucose value within 5 seconds and your ketone value within 10 seconds.
 
The values ​​are measured on different strips, which guarantees reliability. This is very important for a health professional who gives advice to the customer.
 
When you have finished measuring, you can save the values ​​and even create reminders to measure at regular intervals.