I’ve used the Precision Xtra blood ketone meter for many years now. Its primary importance to me is to detect when I am under a serious threat of DKA.
DKA occurs because of an interruption of insulin delivery and absolute level of BG is not a reliable detector. This makes the accurate detection of high ketone levels especially important.
I treat my diabetes with an insulin pump. A kinked cannula, a disconnected infusion set, or even just impaired insulin absorption can lead to DKA.
A few years back, I woke up with BGs 250+ and feeling nauseated. I tested my ketones and found them higher than usual. I immediately took action. I took a corrective insulin dose via a syringe and changed my infusion set and site. I drank plenty of water. My preemptive action averted a hospital visit, I’m sure. I was likely within hours of serious trouble.
While I primarily use my blood ketone meter to confirm my ketosis from my low carbohydrate way of eating, the ability to manage emergent DKA is priceless. I live alone.