What Does The Presence Of Trace Ketones In Urinalysis Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed w a mild UTI but am concerned about my urinalysis bc they found trace ketones. They never mentioned it but does that mean something wrong ? My A1C, Insulin Serum & random glucose draws have all been normal/optimal.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Many other conditions can cause it

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.

Ketones detected in urine may be caused by many conditions. You have only excluded diabetes. Other conditions include dieting, weight loss, vomiting, gut infections, etc.

Ketones are basically formed during incomplete metabolism of fat. Trace amounts of ketones in the absence of any othe conditions can be safely ignored.

Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar