Urine ketone testing is indicated when fasting blood glucose is approximately what value?

Urine ketone testing is indicated when fasting blood glucose is approximately what value?

• A. 300 mg/dL
• B. 150 mg/dL
• C. 250 mg/dL
• D. 350 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

Testing urine ketones is triggered when glucose is markedly high because insulin deficiency allows fat breakdown and ketone production. When fasting blood glucose reaches about 250 mg/dL, checking urine ketones helps detect ketosis early and prevent progression to diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in people with type 1 diabetes or during illness. A value as low as 150 mg/dL is less likely to indicate ketosis, while higher levels (300 or 350 mg/dL) would also prompt monitoring, but 250 mg/dL is the standard threshold used to start checking for ketones.

Testing urine ketones is triggered when glucose is markedly high because insulin deficiency allows fat breakdown and ketone production. When fasting blood glucose reaches about 250 mg/dL, checking urine ketones helps detect ketosis early and prevent progression to diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in people with type 1 diabetes or during illness. A value as low as 150 mg/dL is less likely to indicate ketosis, while higher levels (300 or 350 mg/dL) would also prompt monitoring, but 250 mg/dL is the standard threshold used to start checking for ketones.