Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Ketoacidosis
Introduction
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Synonyms and keywords: Ketoacidemia.
Overview
Overview
Ketoacidosis is a type of metabolic acidosis which is caused by high concentrations of ketone bodies, formed by the deamination of amino acids, and the breakdown of fatty acids.
Pathophysiology
Ketoacidosis occurs when cells do not have sufficient glucose to meet their metabolic demands. Instead, ketone bodies are produced for energy via the metabolism of fatty acids. Acidity results from the dissociation of the H+ ion at physiological pH of metabolic ketone bodies such as acetoacetate, and β-hydroxybutyrate.
Differentiating Ketoacidosis from other Diseases
Ketoacidosis should not be confused with ketosis, which is one of the body’s normal processes for the metabolism of body fat. In ketoacidosis, the accumulation of keto acids is so severe that the pH of the blood is substantially decreased.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Classification
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References
Pathophysiology
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Overview
Ketoacidosis occurs when cells do not have sufficient glucose to meet their metabolic demands. Instead, ketone bodies are produced for energy via the metabolism of fatty acids. Acidity results from the dissociation of the H+ ion at physiological pH of metabolic ketone bodies such as acetoacetate, and β-hydroxybutyrate.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
Causes
Starvation and Fasting
It can also occur with people undergoing hunger strikes, fasting over 3 days, or people starving to death as the body is forced to break down fat for sustenance due to their lack of outside nutrition.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
In diabetic patients, ketoacidosis is usually accompanied by insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia, and dehydration. Since insulin is required to absorb glucose from the blood, its deficiency results in an energy crisis, fatty acid metabolism, and production of ketone bodies. Hyperglycemia results in glucose overloading the nephron and spilling into the urine. Dehydration results following the osmotic movement of water into urine, exacerbating the acidosis.
Alcoholic Ketoacidosis
In alcoholic ketoacidosis, alcohol causes dehydration and blocks the first step of gluconeogenesis. The body is unable to synthesize enough glucose to meet its needs, thus creating an energy crisis resulting in fatty acid metabolism, and ketone body formation.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Ketoacidosis from other Diseases
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Overview
Ketoacidosis should not be confused with ketosis, which is one of the body’s normal processes for the metabolism of body fat. In ketoacidosis, the accumulation of keto acids is so severe that the pH of the blood is substantially decreased.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Risk Factors
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References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]