Definitions for ketoacidosis
This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word ketoacidosis
ketoacidosis, diabetic acidosis(noun)
acidosis with an accumulation of ketone bodies; occurs primarily in diabetes mellitus
A severe form of ketosis, most commonly seen in diabetics, in which so much ketone is produced that acidosis occurs.
Origin: From ketones + acidosis
Ketoacidosis is a metabolic state associated with high concentrations of ketone bodies, formed by the breakdown of fatty acids and the deamination of amino acids. The two common ketones produced in humans are acetoacetic acid and β-hydroxybutyrate. Ketoacidosis is a pathological metabolic state marked by extreme and uncontrolled ketosis. In ketoacidosis, the body fails to adequately regulate ketone production causing such a severe accumulation of keto acids that the pH of the blood is substantially decreased. In extreme cases ketoacidosis can be fatal. Ketoacidosis 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. Prolonged alcoholism may lead to alcoholic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis can be smelled on a person's breath. This is due to acetone, a direct byproduct of the spontaneous decomposition of acetoacetic acid. It is often described as smelling like fruit or nail polish remover. Ketosis may also smell, but the odor is usually more subtle due to lower concentrations of acetone.
Find a translation for the ketoacidosis definition in other languages:
Select another language:
Discuss these ketoacidosis definitions with the community:
Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:
"ketoacidosis." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2014. Web. 23 Nov. 2014. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/ketoacidosis>.