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Please note

If an increase in insulin has been necessary during illness, you may need to reduce the insulin once the child is better.  This depends on the blood glucose levels.  If you need some advice, please contact a member of the diabetes team.

Are ketones ever found in people who do not have diabetes?

YES - ketones may be found in any person whose body runs short of sugar (e.g. if a person is on a very strict reducing diet or is unwell and not eating).

How do i test for ketones?

Use a test called Ketostix.  Dip the stick in a urine sample or hold under the urine stream, then time for 15 seconds.  Compare the stick against the colour chart on the side of the bottle.

If using the Medisense Optium meter, apply a drop of blood to a ketone testing strip and complete the results to the scale provided.  This will tell you if ketones are present and whether it is a small, moderate or large amount.