What should I do if the ketone levels are low?
Ketone levels are usually low during periods when a child is undergoing stress. Stress can occur when a child has the flu or some other type of infection. The reason why this happens is still not very clear. However, it may be that during this period, the child is less likely to eat ketogenic meals. It may also be that the medications used to treat the flu or infections have some carbohydrates, which can lower the ketone levels. Consult with the dietitian and clinic staff for medications low in carbohydrate fillers to treat your child’s secondary illness. If a child has low ketones as a result of having a cold or the flu, caregivers should focus on treating the illness by making sure the child is not dehydrated using sugar free liquids. If vomiting and/or diarrhea continue to persist for 24 hours, consult your physician and the dietitian. In many cases, Pedialyte is recommended to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.