Ketoacidosis


A feature of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus characterized by a combination of ketosis and acidosis. Ketosis is the accumulation of substances called keytones and ketone bodies in the blood. Acidosis is increased acidity of the blood.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis include slow, deep breathing with a fruity odor to the breath; confusion; frequent urination (polyuria); poor appetite; and eventually loss of consciousness.

The treatment of ketoacidosis is a matter of urgency and is usually done in a hospital. It may require the administration of intravenous fluids, insulin, and glucose, and the institution of changes in the person’s diet.

See also diabetes mellitus and ketone bodies.

Read Also:

  • Ketogenic diet

    A diet devised as a treatment for severe seizure disorders that do not respond to conventional medication. The ketogenic diet is comprised almost entirely of fats and protein. All portion must be precisely weighed and timed. Because this diet can cause the buildup of ketone bodies in the blood, it is highly risky and should […]

  • Ketone

    Diabetic ketoacidosis; Ketoacidosis.

  • Ketone bodies

    Chemicals that the body makes when there is not enough insulin in the blood and it must break down fat instead of the sugar glucose for energy. The ketone bodies — acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate — are toxic acidic chemicals. They build up in the blood and then spill over into the urine. The body […]

  • Ketone body

    A chemicals that the body makes when there is not enough insulin in the blood and it must break down fat instead of the sugar glucose for energy. The ketone bodies — acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate — are toxic acidic chemicals. They build up in the blood and then spill over into the urine. The […]

  • Ketonuria

    accumulation of ketone bodies in the urine. When ketone is excreted, sodium is excreted along with it. Symptoms and Treatment Symptoms of glucose and ketone-body overload include thirst, frequent urination, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, heavy breathing, dilation of the pupils and confusion resulting from the toxic effects of ketone bodies and acid accumulation on the brain. […]


Disclaimer: Ketoacidosis definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.