Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Ketosis and Ketoacidosis?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Ketosis and Ketoacidosis?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Ketosis and ketoacidosis are two different conditions that involve increased levels of ketones in the body, but they are not the same thing. Here are the main differences between the two:

Ketosis:

  • A natural metabolic state where the body uses fat instead of carbohydrates for energy.
  • Occurs when the body doesn't have enough glycogen from carbohydrates to burn for energy.
  • Can be achieved through low-carbohydrate diets or fasting.
  • Generally safe for healthy individuals without diabetes.
  • Can be useful for weight loss and blood sugar control.

Ketoacidosis (also known as diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA):

  • A life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes, and sometimes type 2 diabetes.
  • Occurs when the body produces dangerously high levels of ketones, leading to very high blood sugar levels.
  • Triggered by not having enough insulin, so circulating sugar cannot be used by the body for energy.
  • Can be caused by not following a diabetes management plan, illness, infections, or pregnancy.
  • Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and high ketone levels in the blood or urine.

In summary, ketosis is a normal, safe body response to low-carbohydrate diets or fasting, while ketoacidosis is a dangerous and life-threatening complication of diabetes, typically type 1, where too many ketones make the blood acidic.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Ketosis and Ketoacidosis?
  • Comparative Table: Ketosis vs Ketoacidosis

    • Comparative Table: Ketosis vs Ketoacidosis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between ketosis and ketoacidosis:

    Feature Ketosis Ketoacidosis
    Definition A natural metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. A life-threatening complication of diabetes, specifically type 1 diabetes, where dangerously high levels of ketones are produced.
    Blood Ketone Levels At least 0.5 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or around 9 mg/dL. Around 5–10 times higher than ketosis levels, typically more than 16.5 mmol/L.
    Causes Induced by fasting, low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet, or prolonged periods without eating. Caused by insufficient insulin production or administration, leading to a buildup of ketones and acid in the blood.
    Symptoms Generally safe and mild, but may lead to nutritional imbalances. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and it may progress to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
    Treatment No treatment required as it is a natural metabolic state associated with weight loss. Requires immediate medical attention and treatment, including insulin administration and monitoring ketone levels.
    Prevention Maintain a balanced diet and avoid prolonged periods without eating. Regularly monitor blood glucose and take appropriate insulin doses to prevent ketone levels from becoming dangerously high.

    Ketosis is a natural and generally safe metabolic state, while ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication of diabetes that requires immediate medical attention. People with diabetes or those considering a ketogenic diet should monitor their blood ketone levels to avoid ketoacidosis.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.