Description
DIYCare’s Diabetes Test
Which parameters are tested?
Glucose: is a simple sugar and the body’s main energy source, essential for brain function, muscle activity, and overall metabolism. Blood glucose levels are regulated by hormones like insulin and glucagon. Imbalances can lead to conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia, impacting health and requiring management.
Ketones: are compounds made when the body burns fat for energy, typically during low-carb intake like fasting or a ketogenic diet—a state called ketosis. Produced in the liver, ketones (including beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone) serve as an alternative fuel, especially for the brain. While generally safe, high ketone levels in people with diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition requiring urgent care. Monitoring ketone levels is essential for managing diabetes during illness, fasting, or dietary changes.
Understanding Diabetes and Its Symptoms
Diabetes, a widespread condition, arises from high blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycaemia. This often links to reduced insulin production by the pancreas, a hormone vital for regulating blood sugar. There are two main types of diabetes. Type I, or insulin-dependent diabetes, involves an absolute lack of insulin production. Type II, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when insulin production is insufficient, or the body’s cells don’t respond adequately to insulin. When blood glucose levels exceed the kidneys’ filtering capacity, glucose starts appearing in the urine, making urine testing a useful tool for diabetes monitoring.
Detecting Diabetes at Home
DIYCare’s Diabetes Test simplifies diabetes monitoring by measuring glucose and ketones in urine. This easy at-home test provides immediate results without needing lab analysis. Users can quickly compare their urine sample with the color chart in the package for an accurate assessment. This test is essential in tracking glucose levels, an early indicator of diabetes.
Ketones and Diabetic Ketoacidosis
In diabetes diagnosis, checking for ketones is crucial. Ketones, produced during the breakdown of fatty acids, accumulate when the body uses fat instead of glucose for energy. This shift occurs in diabetes as glucose fails to enter cells efficiently. Elevated ketone levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication where ketones build up in the blood and urine.
