Acetone

Definition of Acetone

Low blood sugar can be the result of a medical condition called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can result in a condition or state termed ketoacidosis, which causes an increased production of acetones in a person's breath. For people who suffer from diabetes, this increases their chances of giving a inaccurate reading on a breath alcohol test which is required if suspected of driving under the influence in California. In borderline cases, the risk exists that if a person whose body has created acetone they may regester an unlawful blood alcohol level from a breath test even though they may not be impaired.

It is estimated approximately one in seven people may be diabetic and as a result many drivers may have an increased chance of a false arrest based on a false Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reading. Drivers who suffer from hypoglycemia may also display a variety of symptoms which may be misinterpreted as impairment, including sweating, trembling, hunger, nervousness, palpitations and difficulty speaking.