Table of contents:
- Difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis
- Definition of ketosis
- Definition of ketoacidosis
- The difference between the symptoms of ketosis and ketoacidosis
- Symptoms of ketosis
- Symptoms of ketoacidosis
- Triggers for ketosis and ketoacidosis
- How are ketosis and ketoacidosis diagnosed?
- Ketosis and ketoacidosis treatment
Ketosis and ketoacidosis, two terms that are similar but not the same. Sometimes many people think that these conditions are similar. In fact, ketosis and ketoacidosis have fundamental differences. Like what is the explanation?
Difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis
Apart from the similarity of names, these conditions are actually two different things. The difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis is evident in the underlying condition. Let us look more clearly in the following definitions.
Definition of ketosis
The difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis, one of which is that ketosis is a condition of the presence of ketones in the body. This condition is generally harmless.
Ketones are chemicals your body produces when you burn stored fat. Ketosis can occur if you are on a low carbohydrate diet, fasting, or if you consume too much alcohol.
When you have ketosis, it means that your body has levels of ketones in your blood or urine that are higher than usual. However, it is not high enough to cause acidosis.
Usually, people who have ketosis are those who choose a low-carbohydrate diet to lose weight. If, you want to adopt this type of diet, be sure to consult your doctor first.
Definition of ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis refers to the condition of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is a complication of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. This condition is a life-threatening condition due to very high levels of ketones and blood sugar.
That combination makes your blood too acidic which can impact internal organs, such as your liver and kidneys. Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur very quickly, in less than 24 hours.
Several things can cause DKA, including illness, improper diet, or not taking adequate doses of insulin.
The difference between the symptoms of ketosis and ketoacidosis
Because these two conditions are different, that is why the symptoms they produce are also different. Anything?
Symptoms of ketosis
One of the symptoms of ketosis is bad breath. This happens because fat is broken down for energy to produce ketones and acetone. This acetone is then excreted from the body in the form of urine and breath.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis
Some of the symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
- Extreme thirst
- Urinating frequently
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Gag
- Stomach ache
- Fatigue
- Fruit-smelling breath
- It's hard to breathe
- Dazed
Triggers for ketosis and ketoacidosis
The difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis is also evident in the triggers for these two conditions. Ketosis conditions are usually triggered by a low carbohydrate diet (ketogenic diet).
The ketogenic diet causes the body to burn fat to use as an energy source. This combustion then produces ketones in the body.
Meanwhile, ketoacidosis is triggered by a lack of insulin so that blood sugar cannot be broken down into energy by the body's cells in the metabolic process. As a result, the body begins to break down fat for use as energy and releases ketones into the bloodstream.
The release of ketones into the blood which is also full of blood sugar causes a chemical imbalance in the blood called metabolic acidosis. This condition can be life threatening.
Ketoacidosis is rare in people without diabetes, but it can occur in cases of starvation. A study published in October 2015 in the Journal of Medical Case Reports found that a low-carb diet combined with lactation has the potential to trigger ketoacidosis in women without diabetes.
However, further research is still needed on this matter.
How are ketosis and ketoacidosis diagnosed?
Although ketosis and ketoacidosis have differences, in general, the ways to diagnose the two conditions are quite similar. You can do a simple blood test to detect the level of ketones in your blood.
This test can be done to determine whether you have ketosis or ketoacidosis. A urine test can also be done at home by placing dipstick in your urine sample. Dipstick will change color based on the level of ketones in your urine.
Maybe the condition of ketosis is not as serious as the condition of ketoacidosis. That is why diabetics need to be vigilant because they are at higher risk of developing ketoacidosis when ketone levels are increased and blood sugar is above 250 mg / dL. It is best to have a blood ketone test to confirm this.
When your blood sugar is higher than 240 mg / dL,The American Diabetes Association recommend checking ketones every 4-6 hours. You can monitor blood sugar and ketones with test kits available in the market.
Ketosis and ketoacidosis treatment
Because there is a difference between the severity of ketosis and ketoacidosis, the treatment is different. Ketosis sufferers may not need intensive care.
Meanwhile, ketoacidosis may require you to be rushed to the emergency room or stay in the hospital if it is a complication of diabetes.
Ketoacidosis treatment usually involves:
- Fluids by mouth or through a vein
- Electrolyte replacement, such as chloride, sodium or potassium
- Intravenous insulin until your blood sugar level is below 240 mg / dL
Ketoacidosis conditions in people with diabetes will generally improve within 48 hours. To prevent this, your doctor may review your diet and medication plans.
