guidelines for patients and carers - ketosis in diabetes

Last reviewed 01/2018

Ketosis is more likely to occur when a diabetic is ill. It may occur if the patient has not been eating, but it may develop into ketoacidosis - a potentially life threatening complication of diabetes.

If a diabetic becomes ill, particularly if their diabetic control deteriorates, check for ketosis by testing the urine for ketonuria with Ketostix.

Check the urine on a daily basis whilst the patient is ill or when their diabetic control deteriorates and notify their general practitioner if the urine sticks become positive for ketones.