Nutritional Ketosis Tools
For anyone who is getting started nutritional ketosis or interested in how I track everything, I figure I would write a post showing all the tools I use. Something like this would have been helpful for me when I was just starting. Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Meter: This is the system I use to track my daily fastingmorning blood ketones to determine if I am in the range of nutritional ketosis (0.5 mmol- 3.0 mmol). I’ve gotten pretty good at predicting what my ketones will be the following morning based on my diet and activity level. The system I purchased came with the meter itself, the lancet you see pictured on the right of the meter, and 10 needles. I had to purchase the ketone strips separately. There is another system out there, the Nova Max Plus, but I ended up going with the Precision Xtra system based on a review I read from Jimmy Moore and I wanted to the most accurate system available. The main draw back of the Precision Xtra system is the price of the ketone strips, which can be in the range of $5.00 a strip. Precision Xtra Blood Ketone Test Strips: These are the all important test strips to use with the Precision Xtra system. As you can see by the link, these things are costly! But in my searches online I found a Canadian pharmacy that sells these for a much more reasonable price of $1.99 per strip. Here is another one based in Canada that offers the strips for $2.49 per strip, depending on how many you buy. These prices also don’t include the shipping, so keep that in mind. I’ve had a lot of success with the first one so at least for the length of this experiment, I’ll continue to order from them. I have read in some places that eBay can be a place to look for these strips, but when I checked there the prices weren’t much better. FreeSt Continue reading >>
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- A Novel Intervention Including Individualized Nutritional Recommendations Reduces Hemoglobin A1c Level, Medication Use, and Weight in Type 2 Diabetes
Urgent Medical Device Voluntary Recall False Abnormally High Blood Glucose Results
Customer Advisory Notice: 01-13NM, Canada Dear Valued Customers: If you use, recommend or sell the Nova Max® Blood Glucose Test Strips or Nova Max® Plus™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System this is to notify you that Nova Biomedical Diabetes Care (Nova Diabetes Care) is voluntarily recalling and replacing the indicated Nova Max Glucose Test Strip lot numbers and unused Nova Max Plus Glucose Meter Kits listed in the attached Appendix. We have recently determined that some of the blood glucose test strips contained within the Nova Max Glucose Test Strip lots listed in the attached Appendix may report a false, abnormally high blood glucose result. A false, abnormally high blood glucose result could, under certain conditions, result in an insulin dosing error that could lead to a serious health risk requiring immediate medical attention. Nova Diabetes Care has decided to replace the Nova Max Glucose Test Strips and Nova Max Plus Glucose Meter Kits listed in the attached Appendix at No Charge. There are no other Nova Diabetes Care products or lot numbers impacted by this recall. People with Diabetes: Immediately discontinue use of Nova Max Glucose Test Strips from the indicated lot numbers. In Order To Receive Replacement Product At No Charge, Please Follow The Steps Below: Please call Nova Diabetes Care Customer Service at 1-800-260-1021 to verify the Lot # for your Nova Max Glucose Test Strips and Nova Max Plus Glucose Meter Kit and confirm your mailing address so that we may ship you replacement product. Please print and keep this notice with your Owner’s Booklet. You may continue to test your blood glucose with your current blood glucose meter(s) using any other Nova Max Glucose Test Strip lot not indicated as part of this recall while you wait for your replacement pro Continue reading >>
Ketone Strips: Are They Legit?
These days, everyone is a keto dieter, but very few actually know they’re in ketosis. Sure, you can follow the diet and take the supplements, but if it’s all predicated on reaching a certain metabolic condition, wouldn’t you want to know if you’ve achieved it? Ketone strips fall into two distinct categories that dictate the accuracy of the test you are taking. These two categories are urine and blood. The degree to which ketone strips help you to successfully monitor your blood ketone levels will be greatly affected by which of these you use. Think of a urinalysis as the book jacket version, and a blood test as the entire Moby Dick novel in regard to detail. Depending where you are on the commitment scale, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right test for your needs. Below, we’ve listed the various types, brands, and benefits/detriments of each of the ketone strips. Check them out, and see which one suits your needs best, and most importantly, helps you remain in ketosis. Ketone Strips: Urine Analysis Using urinalysis to test for ketones is simply getting a “30,000 foot view” of the ketones in your system. The body regularly emits anywhere from 3 to 15 milligrams of ketones a day. Increased amounts of ketones in the urine (acetoacetate) can show you that there is in fact an excess of ketones your system, however ketone strips that evaluate the urine will not report the amount of ketones in the blood – ketonaemia – which is where the real work is done. The benefit of using the urinalysis ketone strips at the beginning of your ketogenic diet, is that you’ll save money of the bat in case you choose not to pursue the diet later on. And, as your body initially gets into ketosis, you’ll find value in the measurements. But once your body adapts Continue reading >>
A New Toy Measuring Blood Ketones
I just got a new toy: a device for measuring blood ketones. This is a far more exact and reliable measurement than testing for urine ketones using cheap dipsticks. Ketosis is of course the state the body is in when eating very low carb. Ketones, made from fat, will then fuel the brain instead of glucose. So who needs one of these gadgets? Perhaps nobody. Obviously it’s easy to eat LCHF without it. This is for curious nerds (like me) and for those who want definite proof that they are eating so little carbs that insulin levels are low and fat burning is maximized. A ketone level somewhere between 1.5 – 3 is said to be an optimal level for maximizing weight loss. It means that insulin levels are very low. As you can see my first measurement was 0.2, after a caesar sallad dinner. I’m not surprised as I’ve probably eaten at least 50 grams of carbs a day lately. I will try it out fasting in the mornings during the coming days. Perhaps I’ll try being really strict with the carbs for a while to see what happens. Have you tried one of these or are you interested in doing it? Continue reading >>
The Best Ketone Meters To Monitor Ketosis – Christmas 2017
The goal of a high-fat, low-carb diet is to get into a state called Ketosis where the body burns fat as fuel rather than using glucose as its source of energy. Types of Ketone Meters There are several types of ketone meters available that monitor ketosis in vastly different ways, some more accurate than others and some more convenient others. We’ll discuss 3 types of Ketone Meters available starting with the best on the market today in 2017. Ketonix Breath Ketone Analyzer The Ketonix breath analyser doesn’t use any blood glucose test or test strip, it works by analysing acetone on your breath that your body produces when you’re in a state of ketosis. The Ketonix is slightly less accurate as blood ketone and glucose meters are per test. But they are more convenient With the Ketonix, you can test yourself an unlimited amount of times, hourly if you like. Which is ideal if you want to see how various foods effect ketosis after you’ve eaten them or even the effects exercise has. The Ketonix is affordable when you take into account the price of test strips for blood monitors. (Many companies give away cheap versions of blood monitors but make their money on testing strips). The Ketonix has no test strips and requires no further outlay. Ketonix also comes with software that will keep a log and also calibrates the device to the optimal settings for your goals. If you’re trying to monitor ketones under conditions such as athletic performance, weight loss, diabetes, alzheimer’s or epilepsy. The Ketonix adjusts its settings to test whether you’re in the ideal range for that condition. The Ketonix Breath Ketone Analyzer is a one-off payment you can read more & check them out here. Blood Ketone Meter One of the best & most precise ways of monitoring ketosis is with a Continue reading >>
Precision Xtra Vs. Novamax Plus: Ketone Meter Evaluation
With the rise in interest in the n=1 experiment I’ve been blogging about since May 2012 (read my latest updates about it here, here, here and here), so many of you have begun testing your own blood ketones to see how well you are doing in pursuit of reaching that glorious state of “nutritional ketosis.” Attaining blood ketone levels of 0.5-3.0 millimolar is the optimal level for producing an appropriate level of beta-hydroxybutyrate to commence fat-burning and to serve as an excellent alternative fuel source for your brain and body for optimal performance according to what Dr. Stephen Phinney and Dr. Jeff Volek outline so beautifully in their outstanding MUST-HAVE 2012 book The Art & Science Of Low Carbohydrate Performance. If you haven’t already picked up your own copy of this book, then I cannot recommend it highly enough to you as an invaluable resource in your pursuit of living an optimally healthy low-carb lifestyle. As people have been shopping around for their own blood ketone meter, I’ve been getting a lot of e-mails from readers who have asked me for my recommendation between which of the two major ketone meters they should get to test their blood levels. Is there any difference between the Precision Xtra and NovaMax Plus blood ketone meters? I’ve personally tried both of these meters and have been using the Precision Xtra results to document my n=1 experiment. Let’s take a closer look at the PROS and CONS of each: **Precision Xtra Blood Ketone Meter** PROS: – Accurate and clear blood ketone measuring – Sturdy and strong test strips – More precise than urine ketone testing CONS: – Requires more blood than glucose testing – Test strips can be quite expensive – Not available for purchase in stores **NovaMax Plus Blood Ketone Meter** PROS Continue reading >>
Testing For Ketones
Testing for Ketones 3 Types of Ketones How to go about testing for Ketones? There are 3 types of ketone bodies. Acetone, Acetoacetate and Beta-Hydroxybutryate (BHB, though technically not really a ketone body) The body (the liver) converts long and medium chain fatty acids into BHB and Acetoacetate. BHB and Acetoacetate live in reversible equilibrium (they can transform back and forth). Acetoacetate can also be turned into acetone. After converted to acetone, it can not be converted back. Acetone is typically excreted through the urine or breath. If your body has been in ketosis for a while, you will see a reduction in acetoacetate. Muscles begin to use acetoacetate and turn it into Beta-Hydroxybutryate for fuel, so less is present in urine as you get more keto-adapted. This is the flaw of the urine test. It only tests for acetoacetate so it will go down as your body gets more efficient at using ketones for fuel. 3 Methods for Testing Ketones Urine strips only test acetoacetate. Ketonix only tests acetone in breath. Blood Strips test for Beta-Hydroxybutryate (BHB), what your body uses for fuel. 1. Urine Test Strips Pros: Cheap. Cons: Very inaccurate in testing level of ketosis. Our bodies excrete excess ketones in two ways. Through the urine or through the breath. When you are testing for ketones in urine you will typically see higher levels in early stages of a ketogenic diet because your body isn’t using ketones for fuel yet. After you are fully Keto-Adapted (2-4 weeks or so), you will see less and less ketones in your urine because your body in now using more ketones for fuel instead of excreting them through the urine or breath. The urine test strip is also very susceptible to changes based on your state of hydration. The more hydrated you are (and we should all b Continue reading >>
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Buy Diabetic Health Medical Testing Supplies Online
Diabetic Health Medical Testing Supplies Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) T2D was once referred to as adult onset diabetes, but it can also occur in children. T2D is a serious medical condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. This happens as a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin, or the body becoming resistant to it. Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. This hormone works by absorbing and processing glucose from the blood stream into the body’s cells to be used or stored for energy. Glucose is a form of sugar which is one of the main sources of fuel for all the cells of the body. Two of the body’s main sources of glucose comes from food and the liver. The liver makes glucose and stores it for future use. On the other hand, when you eat carbohydrates, your body produces insulin and the glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. When blood glucose levels drop as a result of skipping meals, the liver will break down glycogen into glucose. This will help to maintain normal blood sugar levels. In T2D, this process does not work properly, as the body does not product enough insulin or use the insulin it does produce properly. In healthy people, the beta cells in the pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar levels rise. Over time, however, these beta cells can become damaged and fail to meet the insulin needs of the body. If this happens, this is called T2D. There is no cure for T2D. However, this medical condition can be treated through regular exercise, healthy diet and maintaining a proper weight. If a healthy diet and exercise does not work, your doctor may prescribe an oral diabetes medication, such as metformin, to help control your blood glucose levels. T2D is more common compared to T1D. It is not yet kno Continue reading >>
Blood Glucose Monitors...
Please remember all changes in insulin regimens must be discussed with your diabetes team first!!! Below is information to assist you in being more informed when speaking with them. Blood Glucose Testing You can test your blood glucose levels by lancing the tips of the fingers, as well as Alternate Site Testing (AST) on such places as the sides of the hands, the forearm and the leg. When in doubt or if a low is suspected always use the finger tip for most reliable results. While most people do not find a time lag when using AST, current research recommends that lows be monitored through finger testing. Why is it important to test? In order to properly control your diabetes, it is important to know what you blood glucose levels are. Too high or too low can lead to disastrous complications. When to test? This depends on if you have Type 1 Diabetes or not and how active you are. Current Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice guidelines suggest 6 times per day. Many doctors suggest testing before each meal, before, after and during strenuous physical activity, and before bed. It may also be preferable to test at least once throughout the night to ensure that night-time basal insulins are working properly. Please consult with your diabetes team to see how often you should test your blood glucose levels. Please remember that the above information is simply a guideline and in no way replaces medical advise. Please speak with your doctor or diabetes care professional to determine what blood glucose levels are optimal for your care. The above guidelines are based on the Canadian Diabetes Association's 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines. Glucometers Glucometers come in all shapes and sizes. Check out our new reviews and opinions on the latest meters... Do you have a favor Continue reading >>
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Home Testing Kits
Diabetes detective Diabetes affects your body's ability to use sugar to make energy. This happens when your pancreas is unable to make the right amounts of insulin to help process sugar or when your body is not able to properly use insulin. The sugar stays in your bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to increase. If blood sugars are poorly controlled, both short-term and long-term complications can develop. Short-term complications may include dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, increased hunger or thirst, and even loss of consciousness. Long-term complications include heart, kidney, eye, and nerve damage. In some cases, people need to have their feet or legs amputated due to poor circulation. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 (formerly called insulin-dependent) diabetes. Your pancreas makes very little or no insulin. You'll need regular injections of replacement insulin. Type 2 (formerly called non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Your body doesn't manufacture enough insulin or has trouble using it. This type, which affects 90% of people with diabetes, can be controlled with diet and medication (pills or insulin injections). Trying to keep blood sugar levels under control requires frequent monitoring, so home testing kits are particularly helpful. Home testing allows you to control your diabetes, instead of it controlling you. It also allows you to see how certain foods and activities affect your blood sugar level. Most blood sugar testing kits consist of a blood sugar monitor and test strips. Put a drop of your blood on the strip and stick it in the meter. The meter gives you a reading of your blood sugar level, usually in under a minute. Some brands of meters store your readings and provide averages. Models are also available that download results to a Continue reading >>
