Ketones. Ketones are acids that are produced by the body when it does not have enough insulin and uses fats for energy. Ketones may occur when insulin is not given, during illness or extreme stress, or with dehydration. Ketones can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Without sufficient insulin, ketones continue to build up in the blood and result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a medical emergency. DKA is the primary reason why children with type 1 diabetes are hospitalized, but this can be prevented with appropriate action. Diabetic ketoacidosis usually takes hours to develop, if not longer. Progress can occur much more quickly for students who use insulin pumps or who have an illness or infection. The greatest risk associated with DKA is when it is mistaken for “flu”, and high blood glucose is unchecked and untreated.
Ketones. Ketones are solvents for dyes, resin and waxes that are used to manufacture plastics, synthetic fibers, explosives, cosmetics and medicines. Some examples of ketones include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanon and isophorone.
