ketosis

ketosis /ke·to·sis/ (ke-to´sis) accumulation of excessive amounts of ketone bodies in body tissues and fluids, occurring when fatty acids are incompletely metabolized.ketot´ic

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ke·to·sis (k-tss)

n. pl. ke·to·ses (-sz)

A pathological increase in the production of ketone bodies, as in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

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ketosis

[kitō′sis]

Etymology: Gk, keton + glykys, sweet + osis, condition

the abnormal accumulation of ketones in the body as a result of excessive breakdown of fats caused by a deficiency or inadequate use of carbohydrates. Fatty acids are metabolized instead, and the end products, ketones, begin to accumulate. This condition is seen in starvation, occasionally in pregnancy if the intake of protein and carbohydrates is inadequate, and most frequently in diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by ketonuria, loss of potassium in the urine, and a fruity odor of acetone on the breath. Untreated, ketosis may progress to ketoacidosis, coma, and death. See also diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis, starvation. ketotic, adj.

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ketosis,

n See ketoacidosis.

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ketosis

1. accumulation in the blood and tissues of large quantities of the ketone bodies: β-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid and acetone. Because the first two are acids, this results in metabolic acidosis. Thus, the condition is often referred to as ketoacidosis.

2. in ruminants is used synonymously with acetonemia, pregnancy toxemia. See also fat cow syndrome.

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secondary ketosis

acetonemia secondary to another condition which reduces the cow's feed intake.

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ketosis

An abnormal ↑ in serum concentration of ketone bodies that does not produce acidosis. Cf Ketoacidosis.