Started Measuring Blood Ketones, Same Reading Every Time

(Dan) #1

Hi All,

First time poster here. I bought the Precision Xtra with the hopes of helping me tweak my diet… I’m interested in seeing which foods make the most difference, and whether or not fasting makes a difference. So far I’ve measured 3 times and have gotten the same reading every time (0.4). Once was right after a low carb dinner, once about 5 hours after a low carb lunch, and once after a 16hr fast. I’ve been on Keto for several months and low carb for over a year so I figure I’m probably adapted so I wasn’t expecting to see much difference… But exactly the same reading 3 times in a row? I did get the test strips off eBay (pack of 5, not in the box)… They don’t expire until next year… Maybe I got some bad test strips? Or is this expected?

Thanks,
Dan

#2

Try measuring half an hour (or so) after ingesting some MCT or coconut oil. You should see your blood ketones go up.

I just checked my spreadsheet. I have 10+ months of ketone readings taken at least once a day. I can find only one occurrence of having the exact same reading three times in a row. I’m using the keto mojo though. I also own a Precision Xtra, but rarely use it since the testing strips are more expensive. In any case, of the 42 readings that I’ve taken with the Precision Xtra, I don’t see any instances where I got the same reading three times in a row.

I should note, however, that I tend to measure at times when I expect that I might see a marked difference from an earlier reading. While I almost always measure each morning, I’ll also sometimes measure after eating or after exercise to see how those activities have affected my blood ketones (and blood glucose too). If you’re well adapted, it may be that your body keeps your blood ketones at a fairly constant 0.4 mmol/L.

(Dan) #3

That was my plan also, to take measurements when I think they should be different to see if my thinking is accurate. I’ll take a scoop of coconut oil and try again… If I see the same thing I’ll just assume I got some bad strips. If new strips don’t work, maybe I’ll ditch the precision extra and try the mojo. Thanks!