Ketones in urine

[Michael Drew]

Hey guys I need your help. Wife called me in a panic because she had her physical and there are ketones in her urine. He said that she might have diabeties and mentioned something about thyroid something.
I am no nutrition genius but I thought we had ketones in our urine because we don't eat much with regards to carbs, we eat vegetables daily but not zone proportions, no sugar or shit. What she did mention to me is that she is always tired, which I wasn't aware of and I said its probably because her fat intake is low. She said well we cook our food in oil and I eat some nuts. But I doubt she is getting the calories she needs because she probably doesn't have much fat in her diet.
We've been through a lot lately, someone please reassure me that I am probably correct.

[Garrett Smith]

Yes, a low carb and low calorie diet (if she's not getting enough fat or protein to make up for the low carbs) could produce ketones in the urine.

It could be normal and it could also be a sign of other metabolic issue. Some basic blood tests to rule out diabetes would be prudent and not too expensive.

Does she have any other symptoms of diabetes?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabete...s_and_symptoms

If not, then there may not be any problem.

In the diet program called UltraLite that I use here, we have patients do a first morning urine test strip to check and make sure they are in a mild state of ketosis. This is a low-carb and generally low-calorie diet, so it may be similar to what she has been doing. If she's been active and on too few calories, that could all explain the fatigue and ketones, but better to be sure nothing worse is going on.

Hope that helps.

[Michael Drew]

Yeah I don't think she has the symptoms that you mentioned. Not that I have noticed. As far as losing weight she doesn't really have much to lose, maybe she lost 5 lbs? Its tough to tell when you see them everyday. I wouldn't call 5 lbs significant though. She is having follow up blood work this Monday, should she eat differently this weekend? Perhaps just more food and fat?

[Garrett Smith]

Sounds like a plan, more food, some more good Paleo carbs this weekend--that will help reduce the ketones if she's normal/healthy.

Have her keep track of her food for a couple days, tally up her calories and macros. Is there any history of diabetes in her family?

[Michael Drew]

Originally Posted by Garrett Smith

Sounds like a plan, more food, some more good Paleo carbs this weekend--that will help reduce the ketones if she's normal/healthy.

Have her keep track of her food for a couple days, tally up her calories and macros. Is there any history of diabetes in her family?

Yes actually there is. But from what I can see it comes from a family history of addiction to food and carbs, when you sit down with a bag full of cheese puffs and don't put them down until the bag is empty or you get bypass surgery and pound down McDonnalds milkshakes because you are hungry and now you "ate through the band". What do you expect. Do you know it came up with her mother how often do they eat pasta, she replied " I try not to eat it more than once a day". And these are huge bowls of pasta! I appreciate your help.

[Garrett Smith]

Good luck, if you need a referral to a good ND in CT, let me know. I know a couple in that general area.