The body's preferred fuel is sugar, or glucose. If insufficient glucose is available to the body's cells, fat is used as an alternate energy source. However, the utilization of fat for energy produces acidic chemicals called ketones. A buildup of ketones causes the blood to become too acidic, leading to chemical derangements throughout the body known as ketoacidosis, which has two forms: alcoholic ketoacidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis symptoms reflect the abnormal body chemistry caused by excessive ketones in the blood.
Nausea, Vomiting and Abdominal Pain
"The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" notes that nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of ketoacidosis. Excessively high levels of blood ketones trigger the vomiting center in the brain. Abdominal pain also commonly occurs with alcoholic ketoacidosis, and may accompany diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Dry Mouth, Thirst and Increased Urinary Frequency
The American Diabetes Association states that dry mouth and thirst are common symptoms of DKA. DKA occurs when insulin levels are too low, causing markedly high levels of blood glucose. The kidneys excrete large volumes of water and glucose when blood sugar levels are highly elevated, causing increased urinary frequency. The loss of body water, in turn, leads to dry mouth and thirst.
Rapid Breathing
Deep, rapid breathing is a characteristic symptom of ketoacidosis. "Diabetes Forecast" explains that the brain signals increases in breathing rate and the depth of respirations in an attempt to correct the excessive acidity of the blood. The changes in breathing enable the lungs to rid the body of a portion of the circulating carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to the acidity of the blood.
Fruity Breath Odor
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports fruity breath odor as a symptom of ketoacidosis. The odor is due to the presence of high levels of blood ketones, which are detectable on the breath.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of ketoacidosis, warns the Mayo Clinic. Using fat to meet the body's energy needs is akin to putting regular gasoline into a high-performance race car. The engine will probably run, but not nearly as well as it does with racing fuel. Similarly, the body can survive for a time utilizing fat for fuel, but the body does not run nearly as well using fat as it does when sugar is the primary fuel. Utilization of fat for energy, plus the severe chemical imbalances caused by the resulting acidosis, lead to profound fatigue and weakness.
Confusion
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that confusion is a common symptom of both alcoholic and diabetic ketoacidosis. Confusion stems largely from glucose deprivation in the brain. The chemical imbalances caused by ketoacidosis further disturb brain chemistry, causing confusion which may progress to coma.
