Ketoacidosis is a serious complication that can occur in diabetes and some other conditions. It is characterized by high levels of ketones in the blood, leading to increased acidity.
This life-threatening condition requires immediate medical intervention.
Causes and Symptoms
Ketoacidosis most commonly develops with insufficient insulin in the body, such as in type 1 diabetes.
In such cases, cells cannot receive enough glucose, leading the body to use fats as an energy source. The breakdown of fats produces ketones, which can accumulate in the blood and cause ketoacidosis.
It is important to differentiate between ketoacidosis and ketosis, which occurs in a ketogenic diet.
In a ketogenic diet, the level of ketones in the blood increases but does not reach critically high levels as in ketoacidosis.
In the context of the keto diet, ketosis is a desired and controlled state, while ketoacidosis is always dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
Prevention of Ketoacidosis
To prevent the development of ketoacidosis:
Monitor blood glucose levels;
Take prescribed medications regularly;
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet in consultation with a doctor;
Seek medical attention at the first signs of illness.
It is important to understand that the ketogenic diet should be practiced under strict medical supervision, especially in people with diabetes, to avoid the risk of developing ketoacidosis.
