Following a specific diet plan can help you lose weight, but it can also cause nutritional problems if it's too restrictive. Ketones, a buildup of acids in your body, sometimes accompany weight loss but should not usually be considered a good thing. If you have tested positive for ketones, talk to your health-care provider about adjusting your diet or, if applicable, your diabetes treatment to stay healthy and avoid further complications.
Definition
Ketones are chemicals that appear in your blood or urine when your body uses fat instead of glucose -- or broken-down carbohydrates -- for energy. A urine test can detect the presence of ketones. Any sign of them is considered an abnormal test result, but ketone levels may vary; less than 20 mg/DL is considered a small amount of ketones, while 30 to 40 mg/dL is moderate and 80 mg/dL is large.
Causes
Low-carbohydrate diets can cause ketones, as they deprive your body of its normal energy source and force it to rely on fat stores for energy. Other actions that deplete your normal nutrient supplies, such as starvation, fasting or prolonged vomiting, can also cause ketones. They may indicate uncontrolled diabetes as well; in diabetics, ketones are a sign that the body doesn't have enough insulin.
Complications
If you have diabetes, high levels of ketones can lead to a condition called ketoacidosis, in which the ketones essentially poison the body. Ketoacidosis develops slowly, but can progress to diabetic coma and even death if untreated. Other symptoms include thirst or dry mouth, frequent urination, vomiting, fatigue, trouble breathing and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms along with ketones, seek medical attention immediately.
Healthy Weight Loss
Although the presence of ketones in your system may accompany weight loss, they're usually not a positive indicator of health, especially if you're diabetic. If you don't have diabetes and are dieting, low levels of ketones may not be harmful, but they could be a sign that you need to adjust your diet. Be sure you're getting adequate amounts of the nutrients your body needs to perform its everyday functions.
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