QUANTITATIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BLOOD AND URINE KETONE LEVELS IN DIABETIC KETOSIS

Abstract
Studies on 20 diabetics in mild and severe ketosis showed a low urinary output of ketone bodies (less than 100 mg./hr.) with blood ketone levels under 20 mg. %. The urinary output/hr. increased with rising blood ketone levels. Excretion of the ketone bodies was decreased in one patient with renal failure and severe ketosis. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid had a renal threshold over 20 mg. %, while acetone appeared to be a non-threshold substance.