Urine Ketones: What Does +/- Mean for Your Health?

Urine ketones +/- means that ketones are either present or absent in the urine. The "+" indicates the presence of ketones, while the "-" indicates their absence?

This year, as a junior, I just received my health check results and found that my urine ketones were +/- while my urine glucose was normal.
I had my checkup at 2 PM after fasting since the night before.
I'm really worried it might be diabetes.
Previously, during my freshman year, all my urine tests were normal.
What does +/- mean? Does it indicate neutral? Thank you!

niaaaa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/01

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine

Hello, when the human body is in a prolonged fasting state, it produces ketone bodies, which can be excreted in the urine and may show a positive result.
If the ketone bodies are present in trace amounts, the urine test may indicate a weak positive (+/-), meaning that while they are detected, the quantity is very low.
This is mostly due to extended fasting and is not considered a pathological condition.
If there are still concerns, a follow-up urine test can be conducted at the outpatient clinic for further confirmation.

Reply Date: 2016/04/01

More Info

Understanding urine ketones and their implications for health is crucial, especially for individuals who may be concerned about conditions such as diabetes. The presence of ketones in urine can indicate a metabolic state that warrants further investigation.

When you receive a urine test result showing ketones as "+/-", it typically means that there are trace amounts of ketones present in your urine. The "+" indicates a positive result, while the "-" suggests that the levels are low or borderline. In clinical terms, this can be interpreted as a mild presence of ketones, which may not be clinically significant but should be monitored.

Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This process occurs during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or when carbohydrate intake is significantly reduced. In your case, since you mentioned that you had not eaten since the night before your test, it is possible that your body was utilizing fat stores for energy, leading to the production of ketones. This is particularly common in individuals who are on low-carbohydrate diets or those who have not consumed food for an extended period.

The fact that your urine glucose levels were normal is a positive sign. In individuals with diabetes, high levels of glucose in the urine often accompany elevated ketones, indicating a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious condition. Since your glucose levels are normal, it suggests that your body is not in a state of uncontrolled diabetes at this time.

However, it is essential to consider other factors that could influence ketone production. For instance, dehydration, illness, or stress can also lead to increased ketone levels. If you are experiencing symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or nausea, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

In summary, a urine ketone result of "+/-" indicates that there are trace amounts of ketones present, likely due to your fasting state. While this finding alone does not indicate diabetes, it is essential to monitor your overall health and any symptoms you may experience. If you have concerns about your risk for diabetes or other metabolic conditions, consider discussing them with your healthcare provider, who may recommend further testing or lifestyle modifications to ensure your health remains optimal. Regular monitoring and a balanced diet can help maintain healthy metabolic function and prevent potential complications.

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