GKI Calculator

Category: Diabetes
- May 21, 2025
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The Glucose Ketone Index is a simple way to track your metabolic health. Calculate your GKI by entering your blood glucose and ketone measurements below.

Measurement Inputs

Normal fasting range: 70-100 mg/dL or 3.9-5.6 mmol/L
Nutritional ketosis generally starts at 0.5 mmol/L

Understanding the Glucose Ketone Index

The Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) is a simple ratio that helps track your metabolic state, especially when following a ketogenic diet or therapeutic fasting protocol.

How GKI Works

GKI is calculated by dividing your blood glucose level by your blood ketone level. If your glucose is measured in mg/dL, it must first be divided by 18 to convert to mmol/L.

GKI = Glucose (mmol/L) ÷ Ketones (mmol/L)

GKI = [Glucose (mg/dL) ÷ 18] ÷ Ketones (mmol/L)

Benefits of Monitoring GKI
  • Metabolic Health: Provides insight into your current metabolic state
  • Diet Effectiveness: Helps track the effectiveness of ketogenic or low-carb diets
  • Fasting Guidance: Useful for monitoring metabolic changes during fasting
  • Consistency: More stable metric than measuring glucose or ketones alone
When to Measure GKI
  • Consistent Timing: Measure at the same time each day for best comparison
  • Fasting Measurements: First thing in the morning before eating provides baseline data
  • Post-Meal: Measuring 2-3 hours after eating can show dietary impacts
  • During Fasting: Regular intervals during extended fasts show metabolic adaptation

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. The Glucose Ketone Index should be used as one of many tools to monitor metabolic health. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or if you have medical conditions like diabetes. Blood glucose and ketone meters have varying levels of accuracy that may affect GKI calculations.

What Is the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI)?

The Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) is a simple yet powerful tool to assess your current metabolic state. It measures the balance between blood glucose and ketone levels and is especially relevant for people following a ketogenic diet, fasting protocol, or managing certain metabolic Health conditions.

By monitoring GKI, you can better understand how your body is shifting its energy source from glucose to ketones, offering insight into fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and more.

GKI Formula (using mmol/L values):
GKI = Glucose (mmol/L) ÷ Ketones (mmol/L)

GKI Formula (using mg/dL for glucose):
GKI = [Glucose (mg/dL) ÷ 18] ÷ Ketones (mmol/L)

How to Use the GKI Calculator

This GKI Calculator is designed for simplicity and speed. Follow these steps:

  • Enter your current blood glucose level and select the correct unit (mg/dL or mmol/L).
  • Input your blood ketone level (mmol/L).
  • Click the "Calculate GKI" button.
  • Instantly see your GKI result, its interpretation, and where you stand on the GKI spectrum.

The calculator also includes visual aids to show your result on a scale, making it easier to understand and track your progress over time.

What Your GKI Result Means

The calculator compares your GKI value against commonly accepted ranges:

  • GKI < 1: Deep therapeutic ketosis – Often used in clinical settings.
  • 1 ≤ GKI < 3: Therapeutic ketosis – Targeted for specific metabolic or neurological health goals.
  • 3 ≤ GKI < 6: Moderate ketosis – Associated with fat loss and improved insulin sensitivity.
  • 6 ≤ GKI < 9: Light ketosis – Early signs of fat adaptation.
  • GKI ≥ 9: Not in ketosis – Normal range for most individuals on a standard diet.

Why Monitoring GKI Matters

GKI is more than just a number—it's a valuable indicator of your body's fuel preference and metabolic flexibility. Tracking GKI can support:

  • Diabetes management: Understand the impact of dietary choices and fasting on blood sugar control.
  • Ketogenic diets: Measure how well you're maintaining ketosis.
  • Weight loss: Gauge how effectively your body is burning fat.
  • Fasting protocols: Track metabolic adaptation during intermittent or extended fasts.

This makes the GKI calculator a useful companion alongside Other tools such as the eAG to A1C Calculator, A1C percentage estimators, and HOMA-IR calculators used for broader diabetes management and insulin resistance assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What units should I use for glucose and ketones?

Use mg/dL or mmol/L for glucose and mmol/L for ketones. If your glucose is in mg/dL, it will automatically be converted to mmol/L in the calculation.

How often should I check my GKI?

For consistency, it's best to measure your GKI:

  • First thing in the morning (fasted state)
  • 2–3 hours after meals to track dietary impact
  • During fasting periods to see metabolic shifts

Is a lower GKI always better?

Not necessarily. A lower GKI means a higher state of ketosis, but the ideal range depends on your goals—clinical therapy, general health, or weight management.

Can GKI be used for diabetes management?

Yes. While not a replacement for tools like the A1C calculator or estimated glucose to A1C conversion tools, GKI offers a complementary view of your metabolic state, particularly when combined with blood sugar and ketone tracking.

Related Health Calculators

For a more comprehensive understanding of your health, consider using:

  • A1C Calculator: Track long-term blood sugar control using HbA1c values.
  • eAG to A1C Conversion Tool: Convert average glucose to A1C and understand their relationship.
  • HOMA-IR Calculator: Assess insulin resistance and sensitivity using glucose and insulin values.
  • QUICKI Calculator: A formula-based index for insulin sensitivity.
  • Blood Sugar Converter: Easily switch between mg/dL and mmol/L glucose units.

Disclaimer

This calculator is intended for educational use only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have diabetes, are on medication, or are following a medical treatment plan, always consult your healthcare provider before making adjustments to your diet or lifestyle.