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Ketones

Fuel your body makes from fat when glucose is scarce; high levels can be dangerous.

When cells can't get enough glucose, the liver breaks down fat into ketones as an alternative fuel. Light ketosis happens with fasting or low-carb eating and is usually harmless.

But in diabetes, very high glucose plus rising ketones can signal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency. If you're advised to check for ketones when glucose runs high, follow that guidance promptly.

Related

General information, not medical advice. Browse the full glossary or the glycemic index of foods.

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