Which diabetes management tool measures ketone bodies?

• A. Glucometer
• B. HbA1c
• C. Ketone meter
• D. Blood pressure monitor

Answer: (C)

Ketone bodies signal when the body is breaking down fat for fuel due to low insulin activity, a situation that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. A ketone meter directly tests these ketones in blood (beta-hydroxybutyrate) or, with urine strips, ketones excreted in urine, giving a real-time read of ketone status. This makes it the most relevant tool for monitoring whether ketone production is elevated and whether treatment adjustments are needed.

In contrast, a glucometer measures blood glucose levels, not ketones. HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over the past few months, not the current ketone state. A blood pressure monitor measures cardiovascular parameters and has no role in assessing ketone levels. Therefore, the ketone meter is the tool that measures ketone bodies.