BioTest Diabetes Test Kit is a dip and read test based on urine specimen. There are two parameters that the test kit check on, the Glucose and the Ketone.

What does Glucose in urine tells you?
Diabetes is a disease in which there is too much sugar in the blood. This is because of inadequate insulin to break down the glucose. As the level of glucose increases in the blood above the kidney capacity, it starts to appear in the urine.  So finding glucose in urine tells you that you are a diabetic.

What does Ketone in urine tells you?
Ketones are a group of organic compounds that result from the metabolism of fatty acids. Normal people use glucose as energy source. In diabetic people, glucose is not passed to the cells, so cells will use fatty acids as the energy source instead. The less glucose absorbed by cells (as is the case when the diabetes is more advanced) the more fatty acids are consumed and as such more ketones is produced. This condition is known as diabetic ketoacidosis.  As the level of ketones increases in the blood, it will start to appear in urine. So finding ketone in urine further confirms that you have developed diabetes and are most likely in the advance stage.

Do remember to read the instructions clearly before performing the test to ensure that you understand how to use the test, how to immediately read the result (as the colour result on the test is considered void after a few minutes due to humidity and contamination from the air) and finally where to find the result interpretation.

Q    What is the difference between urine test and blood test?
A    The difference between the two test is the use of specimen. Generally, blood test will provide more accurate result compared to urine test. However, urine test will be sufficient as the first step in screening whether you have become a diabetic and it is most commonly use even in laboratories or hospitals during your normal medical check-up.

Q    How long should I soak the test in the urine?
A    As a rule of thumb, as long as you the reagents is wet, it should be sufficient.

Q    I perform the test twice and the colour in the reagents are different. What does that mean?
A    As a healthy individual, your urine should not contain glucose and especially ketone at all times. The difference in colour shows that the concentration of glucose in your urine are different at different point of time. For example, if you have eaten your meal two or three hours prior to taking the test and you are a diabetic, the glucose concentration in your urine will be at its highest as compared to five or six hours after the meal.

Q    How accurate is the test?
A    In laboratory studies, the test was show to be more than 99% accurate overall.

Q    What should I do if the test shows that I’m a diabetic?
A    First thing first, you must visit a physician immediately to get a confirmation. Diabetes is a serious disease but it’s complication can be reduced or even avoid if diagnosed early. Also necessary changes in lifestyle must take place, such as:

1. Lose weight if you are overweight. Excess body fat causes the body cells to become resistant to insulin.ii. Eat small, frequent meals to keep blood sugars in healthy range. Eating large meals can flood the bloodstream with glucose and insulin.
2. Eat small, frequent meals to keep blood sugars in healthy range. Eating large meals can flood the bloodstream with glucose and insulin.
3. Keep starches and sugars to a minimum, choosing those with a low glycemic index.
4. Keep saturated fat and trans fat to a minimum, but have moderate amounts of monounsaturated rich oils like olive oil.
5. Eat fish several times a week, emphasizing those cold water fish high in omega-fatty acids, like salmon and sardines.
6. Eat generous amounts of non-starchy vegetables.
7. Increase your activity level. Aerobic activity improves insulin resistance in muscle cells, which allows more glucose to enter the cells.