Definition:
The liver produces ketone bodies, also known as ketones, as part of gluconeogenesis, a process that produces glucose from non carbohydrate sources during fasting and hunger.
The liver creates three different ketone bodies.
Acetone,
Acetoacetate, and
beta-hydroxybutyrate.
When dietary glucose levels are low or absent, healthy humans utilize these substances to fuel their body's cells.
Formation of Ketone Bodies:
When blood glucose levels are high, the body develops and stores extra glucose as fat, which is used to make proteins, fats. The action is referred to as "absorption."
When you fast or starve, your blood glucose levels drop quickly. Our bodies go into a phase after absorption known as post-absorption.
As a result of this process, it starts turning fat into fatty acids, glycogen into glucose, and even amino acids into energy.
Although glycogen is a storage form of glucose, the body may quickly convert it back to glucose, and only a little quantity is really stored there (mainly in the liver).
Energy must be obtained from another breakdown product after these stores are exhausted.
The body converts fat into fatty acids, which are essential for survival. Fatty acids, however, cannot support the liver and brain. Glucose is their preferred energy source.
The liver must convert glycerol, pyruvate, lactate, amino acids, and glycerol into glucose in order for the brain to receive it.
Acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate are created as ketone molecules in addition to products of gluconeogenesis.
Ketone bodies and glucose released into the bloodstream provide energy for the brain.
At this point, the brain is given glucose while the muscles and other organs mostly depend on fatty acids for energy, this is known as glucose sparing.
The brain will start using ketone bodies as a source of energy after roughly 4 days of hunger.
Even while a body might be able to go longer without meals, there could still be negative side effects.
When the glucose supply is not replaced, ketone bodies accumulate. The kidneys may not be able to eliminate enough ketone bodies even if they are overworked.
Ketoacidosis:
When the extra ketone bodies in the blood spontaneously breakdown, acetate is created.
Acetone is a chemical that is reactive and volatile.
This chemical lowers blood pH when it accumulates in the body, leading to acidosis.
Acidosis affects almost all body tissues, impairing their functionality and interfering with enzymes, which depend on a particular pH equilibrium. Ketoacidosis, which is an acidosis brought on by an excess of ketone bodies, will result in a coma or death.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA):
In diabetic ketoacidosis, the blood sugar levels are at their maximum levels.
Low insulin levels are a result of high blood sugar levels.
DKA is brought on by high blood sugar levels because glucose cannot enter cells.
By doing this, the body begins converting fat into an insulin-free fuel. That fuel is ketone bodies.
The blood turns acidic when the level of ketones is high. Diabetic ketoacidosis is the name given to the condition.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can result in the dangerous condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
When your blood sugar is extremely high, acidic molecules like ketones begin to accumulate in your body.
Fasting and eating a low-carbohydrate diet are two methods for starting the ketosis process.
Low amounts of insulin in your body might result in diabetes ketoacidosis. Type 2 diabetics are less likely to experience such low insulin levels, although it is still possible.
DKA may be the first symptom of type 1 diabetes since people with type 1 diabetes are unable to make their own insulin.
Symptoms
Confusion
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Rapid breathing
Dry mouth as well as skin
Vomiting and nausea.
Commonly Asked Questions.
What is Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? Give its causes and symptoms.
Discuss in detail Ketone bodies and ketoacidosis.