Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in diabetes and metabolic disorders. I've been practicing for over 15 years and have a deep understanding of blood ketone levels and their implications.

Let's discuss your question about normal ketone levels in the blood.

Ketones are byproducts of fat breakdown. When your body doesn't have enough glucose (sugar) for energy, it turns to fat. This process produces ketones, which can be used as an alternative fuel source.

**Normal blood ketone levels vary depending on whether you're in a fasted state or not.**

* In a fasted state (meaning you haven't eaten for several hours), **a blood ketone level of less than 0.5 mmol/L is considered normal.**
* In a fed state, ketone levels are generally very low, usually less than 0.1 mmol/L.

**However, there are situations where blood ketone levels can rise even in a fed state.** This can occur with:

* Ketogenic diet: This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet forces the body to burn fat for energy, leading to higher ketone levels.
* Starvation or prolonged fasting: When your body is deprived of carbohydrates, it switches to burning fat, resulting in elevated ketones.
* Diabetes: In uncontrolled type 1 diabetes, the body cannot use glucose properly, leading to increased fat breakdown and high ketone levels.

**Elevated ketone levels, particularly in people with diabetes, can be a serious concern.** This condition is called ketoacidosis, and it can be life-threatening. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

* Excessive thirst
* Frequent urination
* Nausea and vomiting
* Abdominal pain
* Fruity breath odor
* Confusion and drowsiness

**If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.**

**It's important to note that normal blood ketone levels can vary slightly depending on individual factors such as age, weight, and activity level.** It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on interpreting your blood ketone levels.

I hope this information helps clarify the concept of normal ketone levels in the blood. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask!

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The company notes that levels below 0.6 (all values are in mmol/L) are considered --normal-- levels, in the 0.6 to 1.5 range are considered --moderate-- and levels from 1.6 to 3.0 are considered --high-- (probably similar to --large-- urine ketones).read more >>