Frequency of Ketosis in People Living with Diabetes or Other Medical Conditions

Research summary

Ketone bodies are fat-derived fuels used by tissues for energy when glucose availability is limited, such as during fasting. In people with diabetes, various factors can trigger a build-up of ketones in the blood (ketosis), including inadequate insulin administration, infection, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump failure, and certain medications. This can lead to a life-threatening medical emergency called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease also have an increased risk of ketosis due to the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors for these conditions. The purpose of this exploratory study is to understand the occurrence of ketosis in adult and paediatric people living with diabetes or other medical conditions where the risk of elevated ketones is increased. Data from this study will subsequently inform which populations would benefit from continuous glucose and ketone monitoring. Participants will wear a sensor on the back of their arm for 15 days. The sensor records both glucose and ketone levels and is paired with a smartphone to collect data in a masked mode. The study will be conducted globally, including primary, community, and secondary care NHS sites in the UK.

Principal Investigator

Dr Rachel Besser

Contact us

Email: childrensresearch@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

349796