Examining capillary ketone testing in hospitalised patients: indications and outcomes.

ABSTRACT

Elevated blood ketone levels (ketosis) in inpatients with diabetes can herald diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, ketosis can also occur in individuals without diabetes in certain settings. It is unclear what proportion of inpatients with ketosis are in DKA and which patients are at the highest risk of DKA. This study determined that many ketone tests are performed in individuals at low risk of DKA, and a ß-hydroxybutyrate <1.0 mmol/L had a low incidence of DKA and less need for escalation in their management.