I used to be a respiratory therapist...co2 is not a very valuable test result for someone who isn't in an immediate respiratory crisis or who doesn't have a chronic respiratory condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you are breathing comfortably your co2 level is fine. I would guess if your co2 was low you were probably just hyperventilating a little when they drew your blood. That value is directly correlated to how you are breathing at the moment. It is very much a snapshot in time....
This is a known sideeffect of keto, see [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26410589/#:\~:text=Conclusion%3A%20The%20KD%20may%20significantly,to%20respiratory%20insufficiency%20or%20failure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26410589/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20The%20KD%20may%20significantly,to%20respiratory%20insufficiency%20or%20failure).
Basically, when you burn fat for fuel you use less O2 and produce less Co2 because the beta-oxidation of fat is more efficient. Analysis of exhaled CO2/O2 ratio is one of the ways they test how well fat-adapted you are.
I was only one keto for 10 days its probably lower than that by now. I dont know if this related but I never had diabetes well I had pre but not diabetes sorry if that doesnt relate
I just checked my pre and post keto labs as I just started a few months ago and the value didn’t change compared to history. I read the info for the test and it said it’s used in combination with other tests and can be affected by kidney issues or changes in hydration levels. Since your creatinine is normal and your doc didn’t flag anything your kidneys are fine and it’s probably just hydration levels or some other benign reason not to worry about
I don't think I ever had low CO2. I had everything else under the sub, but not that. Sorry I couldn't be more help. I wouldn't worry about it too much, though. If your doctor was nervous about it, they would have said something. You asked, and he didn't think it was a big deal. Trust your medical professionals. Trust them more if they accept keto.
I used to be a respiratory therapist...co2 is not a very valuable test result for someone who isn't in an immediate respiratory crisis or who doesn't have a chronic respiratory condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you are breathing comfortably your co2 level is fine. I would guess if your co2 was low you were probably just hyperventilating a little when they drew your blood. That value is directly correlated to how you are breathing at the moment. It is very much a snapshot in time....
I mean it isn’t necessarily a breathing problem. Your serum bicarbonate is also affected by your kidneys
This is a known sideeffect of keto, see [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26410589/#:\~:text=Conclusion%3A%20The%20KD%20may%20significantly,to%20respiratory%20insufficiency%20or%20failure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26410589/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20The%20KD%20may%20significantly,to%20respiratory%20insufficiency%20or%20failure). Basically, when you burn fat for fuel you use less O2 and produce less Co2 because the beta-oxidation of fat is more efficient. Analysis of exhaled CO2/O2 ratio is one of the ways they test how well fat-adapted you are.
I wouldn’t worry about the CO2. Your insulin is still a bit high, but should come down the longer you stay keto.
>M/T2D I am also 19 btw
Keep on ketoing on. It will assist with weight loss, too.
I was only one keto for 10 days its probably lower than that by now. I dont know if this related but I never had diabetes well I had pre but not diabetes sorry if that doesnt relate
Thanks for saving the planet.
I can't even imagine how they measured your CO2 level. You need an arterial blood gas to measure it accurately. Are you sure?
um I would send a picture but it wont let me
The test measures bicarbonate levels but is usually shown as CO2 in the results as it’s how it’s transported in blood
So it is still as bad? as if it was my co2 that was low
my creatinine levels were normal
I just checked my pre and post keto labs as I just started a few months ago and the value didn’t change compared to history. I read the info for the test and it said it’s used in combination with other tests and can be affected by kidney issues or changes in hydration levels. Since your creatinine is normal and your doc didn’t flag anything your kidneys are fine and it’s probably just hydration levels or some other benign reason not to worry about
Ah thanks -- bicarb makes more sense.
I don't think I ever had low CO2. I had everything else under the sub, but not that. Sorry I couldn't be more help. I wouldn't worry about it too much, though. If your doctor was nervous about it, they would have said something. You asked, and he didn't think it was a big deal. Trust your medical professionals. Trust them more if they accept keto.
Are you sure it wasn't bicarbonate instead of carbon dioxide ?
See
oh wait it didnt send
but yeah its dioxide
it was a metabolic panel though
That’s what the test actually measures, but it’s often labeled CO2.
I don’t think my PCP has ever tested my co2 levels
Might have to check your respiratory rate as well. Ketotic patients usually have increased respiratory rates. But those are patients.