Ketoacidosis is the result of too many ketones in your urine. They are acids that build up in the blood and represent a warning that your diabetes is not under control. Ketones show up in the urine when the body is not getting enough insulin. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous and life-threatening condition, which rarely shows up with Type 2 diabetes, but is a serious problem for those with Type 1 diabetes. Ketoacidosis can result in a diabetic coma or death, while those with Type 2 diabetes can suffer from something similar called hyperosmolar nonketotic coma. Elderly Type 2 diabetes patients are prone to this.

There are warning signs to watch for if you have Type 1 diabetes. Having a dry mouth or extreme thirst, urinating more frequently than usual, having high levels of ketones in the urine and having high levels of blood glucose are all symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. These symptoms normally develop rather slowly, but with frequent vomiting, can develop faster. The original symptoms will progress to ones that are more serious. More serious symptoms to look for include: flushed and dry skin, fruity breath odor, confusion and poor attention, difficulty breathing, dominant tired feeling and nausea and vomiting with abdominal pain. Vomiting that continues for over two hours requires immediate medical attention.

Test strips are used to check for ketones in the urine and your doctor will let you know how and when to test for them. Ketones should be checked for every four to six hours or when blood glucose is above 240 mg/dl for those suffering with a cold or flu. Consult with your doctor to find out what level of ketones is dangerous for you.

There are different reasons for high levels of ketones in your urine. Your body may not have the right level of insulin and as a result starts to break down fat to use as energy. Your body may have used up more insulin than normal fighting an illness or you may not have injected enough. Missing a meal or not eating due to illness can account for high levels of ketones. Ketones will appear during an insulin reaction when blood glucose levels drop and the body starts to use fat for energy. High ketone levels in the morning usually indicate an insulin reaction at night. This condition will require medical intervention.

Ketoacidosis is very dangerous, so it is important to check your urine and blood glucose levels regularly. Contact your doctor or a hospital emergency room if you have Type 1 diabetes and are displaying any of these symptoms.