Ketostix Reagent Strips - Box of 50

Ketostix Strips are urine testing strips for ketones. Box of 50 strips. The Ketostix strips provide a fast, convenient way of testing urine for the presence and concentration of acetoacetic acid (ketone). This substance, when found in the urine, provides information on carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Use of Ketostix Reagent Strips can alert you and your doctor or diabetes educator to changes in your condition for which adjustments in your diet and/or medication may be needed.

What are ketones? Sugar is the first fuel your body burns for energy. To help move sugar from your bloodstream into body cells for fuel, your body needs insulin. If there is too little insulin in the bloodstream to help the sugar get into cells, the body starts to burn stored fat. When this happens, ketones begin to build up in the body.

Ketones are a type of acid that are left over when your body burns some of its own fat for fuel. When your body burns too much fat too quickly, there may be ketones in your blood. Ketones get removed from your bloodstream into your urine. However, too many ketones in the bloodstream can lead to a serious problem called ketoacidosis. Without proper treatment, this can lead to coma or death.

Who should test for ketones? People with type 1 diabetes develop ketones more easily than people with type 2 diabetes. Everyone with type 1 diabetes should test for ketones in their urine. People with type 2 diabetes are less likely to have problems with ketones, but everyone with diabetes should know about the warning signs and when to test. Ketone testing, like blood sugar testing, is very important. Finding ketones in your urine is a sign of trouble.

Ketone testing is often recommended for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who become pregnant or for women with gestational diabetes. Ketone testing may also be recommended for children with type 2 diabetes.

Ketone test strips are sensitive to light and moisture, so it is a good idea to keep them stored in the container with the lid on tight and do not use strips that are out-dated.