Low blood glucose, high blood ketones

(Bryce P.) #1

Hi all, I’ve been strict keto (80%+ kcal from fat) for 6 months and had typical blood levels for both glucose and ketones up until this last week. I’m getting blood glucose levels ranging in 3.2-3.9 mmol/L (except after meals, then they jump to a normal 4.8-6.1 mmol/L) and ketone levels (tested @ 0600) ranging from 1.9-3.2 mmol/L. I have heard that having ketones this high early in the morning is bad.

I will disclose i have changed habits slightly. 2 weeks ago I started keeping TOTAL carbs below 30 grams whereas before I kept NET carbs below 25 grams. I’ve also lowered my protein intake from 120 grams a day to 75 grams.

My exercise alternates between aerobic days and anaerobic days. I’m 5’8",175 lbs, 10% BF. Ex athlete (muscular build)

Please shed some light on my current blood levels. Am I not eating enough carbs? More salad? More protein? Maybe less fat? Thank you

(Allie) #2

Those aren’t actually high numbers.

Are you diabetic? If not, no need to even worry about ketoacidosis.

#3

That isn’t too high.

I just listened to a Q&A with Dr Phinney, he was saying for some people ketones start off the highest in the morning when they wake up and go down during the day. But for othe people they start low-ish and work their way up. So they advice people to take 3 measurements a day to work out their own pattern. Once you know your personal pattern you can experiment with foods and whatever.

(Bryce P.) #4

Thanks for your reply. I’m one of the people who start off low in the morning and elevate from there. Which is why I’m worried since 3.0 mmol is considered the ceiling of nutritional ketosis… I’m usually 0.8 in the morning and 1.5 in the evening.

(Bryce P.) #5

Thanks for reply. No I’m not diabetic. Are you saying that 3.2 mmol blood sugar isn’t too low either? Cheers

(Allie) #6

Not on keto no it’s not. Always judge by how you feel rather than by numbers on a screen.