I was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago with Type 2 Diabetes. I was put on...

[Borigata]

...Metformin(500mg x1day). I also started? dieting and exercising. Today I went to the Dr. and the glucose levels are normal (have been normal for the past 2 wks) but they found traces of ketones on my urine (15). When I was first tested 3 weeks ago the levels were 50 for glucose and 50 for ketones. Today results were Normal for glucose and 15 for ketones. How do I get rid of these ketones? I need to have a zero count, as I am trying to go overseas for a job and as long as these ketones are present, I will be on med hold. Can anyone help me please.. my next testing is on the 22nd.

PS: I am exercising about 45min a day and have a very, very low carb diet (as carbs turn to sugars, I am avoinding them).

Thanking you in advance for any help...

[MamaSmurf]

Just keep up what you are doing, sounds like you are on the right track. Drink plenty of water. If there is only a trace of ketones, they should be gone by your next test date. Don't go too low on the carbs...you need some. Just learn the difference between good and bad carbs. Although fruit is a part of a healthy diet, they can be bad news when you have type 2. They have carbs and sugar. They will make your blood sugar test high. Only a tad of fruits.

[Panda]

As a student majoring in nutrition, I will tell you that I think you're only making your problem worse by eating too little carbohydrates. Believe it or not but your body's primary source for energy is carbohydrates. You should be consuming around 50-60% of your diet in carbs. Yes carbs do turn to sugar but it's not the same kind of sugar as say straight table sugar (sucrose)...it turns to glucose (blood sugar)...that's what gives you your energy. The best carbs you can eat are the whole grains and basically whatever's on the lower end of the glycemic index to help reduce the likelihood of your glucose levels from shooting sky high. They have tons of benefits- they help you maintain your weight by keeping you feel full longer, lower your cholestrol, etc. There are many negative health affects that may occur with a low carb diet and one of them is that your body can go into Ketosis. Ketosis can occur in the metabolism process when your liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies, so it can use it for energy when you are lacking carbs ...anyway, your body's pH level will rise, you can get bad breath, etc...so I think that explains the ketones in your urine. With that being said, eat more carbohydrates! Trust me...they are not bad for you!!!

Anyway, there are 3 things you need to do to manage your diabetes: continue taking the metformin, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy, well portioned diet every day. A healthy diet includes whole grains, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, lean proteins, and plenty of fluids to keep hydrated and help the fiber pass through your digestive system. The reason it is important for you to exercise is that if you lose about 10-15 pounds, it's possible that your Type 2 diabetes can actually go into remission. Just be sure you do all 3 of those things because if you don't, once any damage has been done to your body, it cannot be reversed. Also, make sure you use your Glucometer to check your blood sugar everyday...don't wait to see the doctor to check it. That way you can more closely monitor your health.