Collection: Ketone Meters and Ketone Test Strips

For people following a ketogenic diet, blood ketone levels often show diurnal variations with levels of ketones in the blood being the highest first thing in the morning after fasting overnight. . Many individuals experience higher ketone levels in the morning after an overnight fast, as the body has been in a state of fasting during sleep. This period of fasting typically leads to increased production of ketones by the liver.

However, it's important to note that individual responses can vary. Factors such as diet, activity level, and overall metabolic health can influence when someone might experience peak ketone levels. Additionally, the primary goal of a ketogenic diet is not necessarily to maximise blood ketone levels but to achieve and maintain a state of ketosis, where the body is using ketones as a primary source of energy.

Yes, ketone levels can fluctuate throughout the day based on various factors such as dietary choices, physical activity, and the timing, type and size of meals. Here are some reasons for fluctuations in ketone levels:

1. Dietary intake: The primary driver of ketone production is the restriction of carbohydrates in the diet. When carbohydrate intake is low, the body starts breaking down fats into ketones for energy. Therefore, the type and amount of food you eat, particularly the carbohydrate content, can influence ketone levels.
2. Fasting and time of day: Ketone levels are often higher in the morning due to the overnight fasting period. During sleep, the body relies on stored energy, including fat, leading to increased ketone production.
3. Physical activity: Exercise can impact ketone levels. Intense physical activity may temporarily reduce ketone levels because the body prefers to use glucose for immediate energy during high-intensity exercise. However, regular physical activity can contribute to overall fat metabolism and ketone production over time.
4. Individual variability: Each person's body responds differently to dietary changes and fasting. Some individuals may naturally experience higher ketone levels, while others may have lower levels for similar dietary practices.
5. Hydration and electrolytes: Ketone levels can be affected by hydration status and electrolyte balance. Dehydration can lead to a concentration of ketones in the blood, potentially resulting in higher ketone readings.

A lancet can be used alone or with a lancing device. Many people find it easier to obtain a finger prick blood sample if they use the lancet in a lancing device.

Most of our meters are supplied with starter packs of lancets and some with safety lancets. We suggest you continue to use the same lancets recommended by the manufacturer if possible. If you are struggling to get adequate samples move to a thicker lance, ie 21g is thicker than 28g or 30g (the thinnest)

On a standard urinalysis URS urine dip strip test, KET typically stands for ketones. Ketones are substances produced by the liver when the body breaks down fat for energy, usually when carbohydrates are not available. Elevated levels of ketones in the urine can indicate various conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), fasting, low-carbohydrate diets (such as ketogenic diets), or certain metabolic disorders. It's essential to interpret the presence of ketones in urine in conjunction with other clinical information and symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical management.

If KET appears on a urine drug test result, it refers to Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic and hallucinogenic drug. Ketamine is increasingly abused recreationally in the UK for its dissociative effects. In a drug test, the presence of KET would indicate the presence of ketamine or its metabolites in the individual's urine sample which is indicative of recent ketamine use.