Skip to main content
  1. Right Decisions
  2. Maternity & Gynaecology Guidelines
  3. Maternity
  4. Back
  5. Medical conditions in pregnancy - diabetes
  6. Diabetes, Ketone Testing in Diabetes and Pregnancy (360)
Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. 

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number.  To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Diabetes, Ketone Testing in Diabetes and Pregnancy (360)

Objectives

This guideline covers diagnosing the management of ketone testing with diabetes in pregnancy.  It aims to improve care within the clinical environment and ensures quicker, more accurate diagnosis of concerns and the importance of accurate ketone testing and to specify the most effective treatment/pathway for the women.

Scope

GGC Maternity staff. This guidance is written for and applies to Obstetric, Midwifery and Diabetology staff involved in caring for pregnant women with diabetes- and any other members of the maternity multi-disciplinary team. 

Audience

All midwives, obstetric staff and anyone else providing clinical care or guidance to women who require Ketone testing, should observe the guidelines and ensure that local protocols and medical advice from a specialist is sought.

Please report any inaccuracies or issues with this guideline using our online form

Diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy can be life threatening for mother and fetus.

Women with type 1 diabetes are at most risk and are likely to be able to monitor blood ketones at home. Women with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes are also at risk during illness or after steroids even in the context of normal glucose.  Diabetes teams will advise on home monitoring of ketones.  All women with diabetes during pregnancy should be tested if admitted or assessed in daycare.

Diabetic ketone testing flowchart

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 28/08/2024

Next review date: 28/08/2027

Author(s): Robbie Lindsay.

Version: 3

Approved By: Maternity Governance Group

Document Id: 360