Very low glucose/high ketones question


#1

I just hit 3.4/3/4 Ketones/glucose (nmol/L)
That level of glucose, I’m reading, is approaching “dangerous”
Because my ketones are so high (achieved endogenously) does that negate the “danger”.
I’m on a rapid weight loss regimen whicjh is why I’ve hit these markers.

Thanks!


(Joey) #2

Don’t know what “3.4/3/4” means, but the threshold question is: Are you a Type I diabetic?

If not, keto-acidosis is not really possible, if that’s your concern. I.e., you’re in no danger from (endogenous) ketones and glucose levels.


#3

3.4 nmol/L is my reading for both glucose & ketones.
Typically my ketones range from .6 to 1.4, and glucose before breakfast is 4.4 -5.1
3.4 on both is the lowest I’ve ever hit
And I’m not diabetic


(Joey) #4

@Bikeboy Ah, thanks. Not sure what the concern is. Doesn’t look problematic from here. :man_shrugging:


(BuckRimfire) #5

Ive read that back when experiments on human subjects were less carefully regulated (1970s?), one or more subjects who were in ketosis (whether fasting or keto diet, I forget) were put on a “glucose clamp” and their blood sugar taken down into the “dangerous” level. Supposedly the MDs performing the test were sweating but the subject was comfortable.

So, yes, if your ketones are up, you should be OK at a blood sugar that would have someone without ketones feeling dizzy and sick.


#6

That’s not crazy low for somebody not eating carbs if you’re usually on the lower side anyway. If you have no symptoms of being hypo, I wouldn’t worry about it.

That’s dependant on how you feel, ultimately no, you still need blood sugar, but ketones (within reason) can buffer that. If you wouldn’t know it’s that low unless you checked, you’re probably fine. No mental confusion, no sweating for no reason, no shakiness, really wouldn’t worry about it.


(Bob M) #7

You can multiply by 18 to get US units, so 3.4*18= 61.2 in US units. That’s low, but not that bad. That’s about as low as I got after a 4.5 day fast, and I felt perfectly fine, but I always run on the higher blood sugar (morning of 100-110, so 5.6-6.1).

Was listening to a podcast where they were talking about 1 week fasts, and a few of them got into the 30s (1.7 or so). They felt fine.

As already stated, if you have no symptoms (like being shaky, not feeling good, sick, etc.), then it’s probably not an issue.

Also, when I started, I could get into 4 mmol/l ketones after a bit of fasting, and commonly got 3+. Now, I’m shocked when I see >1.0 mmol/l (after 7 more years), but higher ketones aren’t bad.

If you’re concerned about Ketoacidosis, this is high ketones AND high blood sugar. Since you have low blood sugar, you should never be in ketoacidosis.


(Jane) #8

The most extreme number I ever got was after a 5 day fast. Glucose was 52 (2.9) ad ketones were 7.6. I felt fine and had no issues breaking my fast the next day,


#9

I was just wondering about this today, as i put on cgm this morning. Im 55y old, obese, not fasting, ketogenic for 32 days. My ketones are 1.3. And my glucose, inbetween meals are 3.1 (56).

I feel just fine. But was hoping im not developing brain damage…

I ate and it went up to 4,6 (83), two hour later its back down low…


(Bob M) #10

That’s a good blood sugar, if you don’t feel bad. If anything, you’ll have less chance of brain damage due to your relatively low blood sugar.

CGMs also are best at looking at trends or what happens when you eat something, and aren’t great at being exact at blood sugar readings. I’ve had some that were okay and some that were not that accurate. But it’s hard to tell, because the pin-prick monitors aren’t great either.

Anyway, you seem to be doing great.


#11

Thanks for reassurance, Bob, I did some more research, and it seems i should give the cgm 24h to settle down, also.


(Bob M) #12

Yeah, that is true. I wore a Free Style Libre from Europe (I live in the US), and it didn’t see to need that day. The versions I’ve used in the US, though, do seem to need a day to get closer to your actual blood sugar. I don’t know why there were differences.


(Bastet ) #13

Been there when I went hard on keto during a cut. My glucose dropped low too while ketones spiked, and yeah, it freaked me out. But my doc said as long as you feel fine and it’s nutritional ketosis—not ketoacidosis—you’re likely okay. Still, don’t play with fire. I’d def hit up a pro or even check this site https://lange.pissedconsumer.com/customer-service.html if you need fast support.