Is High Ketosis a Concern for Non-Diabetics? Understanding Low Blood Sugar in the Context of Ketones
Hello, I am a 38-year-old female weighing 99 pounds with a BMI of 17. For various personal reasons, I've been steering clear of carbohydrates lately, despite understanding the potential health ramifications. This change in diet has coincided with a resurgence of my previous eating disorder symptoms; I have a history of severe anorexia and have experienced a significant weight loss recently. My ketone levels, as measured by a blood monitor, are at a striking 7.3 mmol/L, while my blood sugar consistently hovers under 54 mg/dL. It’s obvious that I am in a state of ketosis. However, considering that I am not diabetic, I wonder if this poses any real risk to my health. Can my elevated ketone levels offset the dangers associated with low blood sugar, especially since it dropped to 36 mg/dL last week? In addition to this, I also have several health concerns, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, anemia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, a history of severe anorexia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. My current medications include Benepali (etanercept), tramadol, gabapentin, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, an estrogen patch, omeprazole, and propranolol.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 11:20:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address your concerns regarding high ketone levels and low blood sugar, especially given your complex medical history and current health conditions. Your ketone levels of 7.3 mmol/L and blood sugar levels below 54 mg/dL are indeed concerning and could pose significant health risks.
Explanation
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Ketosis and Low Blood Sugar: While ketosis can be a normal metabolic state, particularly for those on very low carbohydrate diets, extremely high levels of ketones, like 7.3 mmol/L, can lead to a condition called ketoacidosis, even in non-diabetics, which is dangerous. Concurrently, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fatigue, and at very low levels (like 36 mg/dL), it can lead to severe complications.
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Risks: High ketone levels do not offset the dangers of low blood sugar. Both conditions can interact negatively. Your history of anorexia also puts you at higher risk for these imbalances and can complicate recovery.
Next Steps
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Immediate Dietary Adjustments: Gradually reintroduce a balanced diet with a focus on adequate caloric intake, including carbohydrates. This is crucial to correct your blood sugar levels and lower ketone production.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms related to hypoglycemia (like faintness or confusion) and ketones. Note any changes in how you feel and your energy levels.
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Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water to stay hydrated, which can help your body manage both ketone levels and blood sugar.
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Seek Support: Given your eating disorder history, it may be beneficial to contact a dietitian or a mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders. They can help you navigate these dietary changes safely and provide psychological support.
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Routine Monitoring: Continue monitoring your blood sugar and ketone levels. If your blood sugar drops below safe levels again, consider having simple carbohydrates available, like juice or glucose tablets, to stabilize your levels.
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Consult with Healthcare Professionals: If you experience symptoms of severe hypoglycemia or persistently high ketone levels, it’s very important to reach out to a healthcare professional to discuss these concerns, especially with your existing health conditions and medications.
Taking these steps seriously is essential for your health and wellbeing. Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are professionals who can help you manage these challenges effectively.
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