Word parts
What it means
When the body cannot use glucose for fuel, it breaks down fat instead, and the liver makes ketones as a by-product. In large amounts ketones turn the blood acidic, a type of metabolic acidosis. The most common form is diabetic ketoacidosisdy-uh-BET-ik kee-toh-as-ih-DOH-sisA state of high blood glucose, ketones in the blood and acidic blood, caused by a lack of insulin.ket/o ketonesacid/o acid-osis abnormal conditionFull entry (DKA), from a lack of insulinIN-suh-linA hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.Full entry ; it can also happen with heavy alcohol use or starvation.
For the nurse
The body tries to breathe off the acid with deep, fast breathing (Kussmaul respirationsKOOS-mowl res-puh-RAY-shunzA breathing pattern of deep, rapid, labored breaths at an even pace.Full entry ), and the breath may smell fruity. Check blood glucose and ketones as ordered and report them.
At a glance
| Spanish | cetoacidosis |
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Related terms
Kussmaul respirations
A breathing pattern of deep, rapid, labored breaths at an even pace.
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
-osis
A word ending that means an abnormal condition or process, or an increase.
hyperglycemia
A blood glucose level above normal, over 100 mg/dL when fasting.
diabetic ketoacidosis
A state of high blood glucose, ketones in the blood and acidic blood, caused by a lack of insulin.