Each ketone body in the blood loses a proton (H+), resulting in a decrease in pH. In uncontrolled T1D, dehydration occurs due to the urinary loss of glucose and ketone bodies. This leads to an increased number of H+ circulating in a decreased volume of plasma, causing a severe acidosis known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). One of the symptoms of DKA is a fruity odor on the breath, which is caused by an increased production of acetone. Ketoacidosis can also occur during prolonged fasting and excessive ethanol consumption.
Therefore, each ketone body loses a proton (H+) as it circulates in the blood, which lowers the pH.] Also, in uncontrolled T1D, urinary loss of glucose and ketone bodies results in dehydration. Therefore, the increased number of H+ circulating in a decreased volume of plasma can cause a severe acidosis (ketoacidosis, Fig. 16.24) known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).] A frequent symptom of DKA is a fruity odor on the breath, which results from increased production of acetone. Ketoacidosis may also be seen in cases of prolonged fasting (see p. 330) and excessive ethanol consumption (see p. 318).
VI. CHAPTER SUMMARY