Ketoacidosis is the result of too little insulin in the bloodstream often associated with diabetes. Insulin is used to move glucose from the blood into the cells for fuel. When insulin levels are unable to meet the body's need for energy, the liver releases enzymes to offset this deficit, causing the breakdown of fat for fuel. A byproduct of this process is ketones. As ketone levels rise, your blood becomes toxic, and you develop this condition. Although the breakdown of fat during weight loss can lead to ketones in the bloodstream, dieters don't experience ketoacidosis.
Ketosis
The confusion with dieting and ketoacidosis lies in what's known as ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state typically brought on by restricting your intake of carbohydrates, which is the body's main source of fuel. When you go into ketosis, the body converts fat into ketones for energy. The breakdown of fat may help to facilitate weight loss, but it doesn't elevate ketone levels to the point of ketoacidosis.
Insulin
Unlike someone with diabetes, your body is still producing insulin. Even when carb intake is cut to a fraction of what's considered normal, insulin is still found in the bloodstream, so any carbohydrates you do take in on a low-carb diet are converted into glucose. The glucose is then transported to the cells, and the pH level of the blood remains within normal limits. With diabetes, however, the lack of insulin can cause the body to produce a significant amount of ketones and blood sugar levels spike, resulting in ketoacidosis.
Symptoms
When you go into ketoacidosis, you typically experience a loss of appetite, excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. These symptoms may also be accompanied by a shortness of breath, abdominal pain and confusion. If left untreated, you may lose consciousness or even slip into a coma.
Treatment
Ketoacidosis is typically treated with insulin therapy to help move the glucose from the blood into the cells. This is often accompanied by both fluid replacement and electrolyte replacement. During ketoacidosis, the body is trying to secrete the excess ketones through the urine, which can lead to dehydration. At the same time, the lack of insulin can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes.
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