About Ketones (Urine)
Urine ketones indicate that the body is burning fat as its primary fuel source, producing ketone bodies (acetone, acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate) as metabolic byproducts. Ketones are expected in people following ketogenic diets or extended fasting, but in diabetics — particularly those with type 1 diabetes — significant urine ketones accompanied by high blood sugar signal diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency. Mild ketonuria in fasting non-diabetics is usually physiologically normal and not a cause for concern.