GKI Calculator – Glucose Ketone Index
Calculate your Glucose Ketone Index for metabolic health assessment
This calculator is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Measure your blood glucose level
- Measure your blood ketone level (beta-hydroxybutyrate)
- Enter both values with appropriate units
- Click calculate to see your GKI score
What is GKI?
The Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) was developed by Dr. Thomas Seyfried as a single number that provides a better assessment of metabolic health than glucose or ketones alone. It's calculated by dividing your blood glucose level (in mmol/L) by your blood ketone level (in mmol/L).
GKI provides a more complete picture of your metabolic state because it accounts for the relationship between glucose and ketones, not just individual values.
GKI Zones and Their Meaning
| GKI Range | Zone | Metabolic State |
|---|---|---|
| < 1 | Therapeutic | Highest therapeutic benefit, cancer therapy |
| 1-3 | High Therapeutic | High therapeutic potential, weight loss |
| 3-6 | Moderate | Moderate ketosis, fat adaptation |
| 6-9 | Low | Light ketosis, metabolic benefits |
| > 9 | Not in Ketosis | Standard glucose metabolism |
How to Measure GKI
To calculate your GKI, you need:
- Blood glucose meter (standard glucometer)
- Blood ketone meter (measures beta-hydroxybutyrate, not urine strips)
- Test strips for both meters
- Measure fasting values in the morning for consistency
- Test both glucose and ketones at the same time
- Track results over time to see trends
Clinical and Therapeutic Applications
- Cancer metabolic therapy (targeting GKI < 2)
- Epilepsy management (ketogenic diet)
- Alzheimer's and cognitive decline
- Type 2 diabetes reversal
- Weight loss and metabolic syndrome
- Athletic performance optimization
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Longevity and autophagy promotion
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a good GKI score?
- For general metabolic health and weight loss, a GKI between 3-6 is good. For therapeutic purposes (cancer therapy, epilepsy), aim for GKI below 3, ideally below 1. For maintenance and fat adaptation, GKI of 6-9 is acceptable.
- When should I measure my GKI?
- Measure GKI in the morning while fasting for the most consistent results. Test at least 12 hours after your last meal. Measure both glucose and ketones at the same time since they fluctuate throughout the day.
- Why is GKI better than just measuring ketones?
- GKI accounts for both glucose and ketones. You can have high ketones but if glucose is also high, you're not in deep therapeutic ketosis. GKI gives a more accurate picture of your metabolic state and therapeutic potential.
- How can I lower my GKI?
- Lower GKI by reducing carbohydrate intake (under 20g net carbs daily), moderate protein (0.8-1.2g per kg lean mass), increase healthy fats, practice intermittent fasting, exercise regularly, manage stress, and get adequate sleep.