Ketoacidosis is a type of metabolic acidosis which is caused by high concentrations of keto acids, formed by the deamination of amino acids. This is most common in untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus, when the liver breaks down fat and proteins in response to a perceived need for respiratory substrate.

The acidity results from the dissociation of the H⁺ ion at physiological pH of metabolic ketone bodies such as acetoacetate, and B-hydroxybutyrate , produced from ketogenesis and its concentration is increased by dehydration. Although some diets (such as the Atkins diet) are reported to induce a state of ketosis. Ketosis is well regulated by the mileau of hormones governing the fasting and fed states, predominately glucagon and insulin and is too mild to lead to acidosis. Before the recent abundant and sedentary lifestyles, it was probably normal for most humans to spend some of each year in ketosis, due to seasonal or temporary carbohydrate and/or calorie shortages. Unlike ketoacidosis, for most of human history ketosis has been a normal condition and an essential capability.

See also

• Diabetic ketoacidosis

External links

• The Merck Manual - Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Alcoholic Ketoacidosis