Ketosis

KETOSIS

Ketosis is a state the body goes into if it needs to break down body fat for energy. The state is marked by raised levels of ketones in the blood.

If there is not enough glucose present, the body will resort to an alternative strategy in order to fuel itself. Excess fat will begin to be broken down in order to provide a source of glucose. A by-product of this process are ketones

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In normal circumstances, the body gets its energy from glucose. Typically, glucose comes from carbohydrates - sugar and starchy foods such as bread and pasta - which the body is able to break down. Glucose can either be used to fuel the body or stored in the liver and muscles as a chemical called glycogen.

WHEN DOES KETOSIS OCCUR? Ketosis will take place when the body needs energy

and there is not sufficient glucose available for the body.

This can typically happen when the body is lacking insulin and blood glucose levels become high.

Other causes can be the result of being on a low carb diet.

A low level of carbohydrate will lead to low levels of insulin, and therefore the body will produce ketones which do not rely on insulin to get into and fuel the body’s cells.

A further cause of ketosis, less relevant to people with diabetes, is a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

In dairy cattle, ketosis is a common ailment that usually occurs during the first weeks after giving birth to a calf. Ketosis is in these cases sometimes referred to as acetonemia.

Healthy animals can be recognized by high levels of milk glycerophosphocholine and low levels of milk phosphocholine

In sheep, ketosis, evidenced by hyperketonemia with beta-hydroxybutyrate in blood over 0.7 mmol/L, occurs in pregnancy toxemia. This may develop in late pregnancy in ewes bearing multiple fetuses, and is associated with the considerable glucose demands of the conceptuses.

DANGEROUS?

Ketosis is described as being potentially dangerous as very high level of ketones can make the blood acidic, a state known as ketoacidosis, which can lead to serious illness in a relatively short space of time.

THE KETOGENIC DIET

Ketosis diets are also referred to as ketogenic diets, ket diets, or sometimes low carbohydrate diets.

Some people follow a ketogenic diet as a way to lose weight.

KETOACIDOSIS

Ketoacidosis is a condition whereby the levels of ketones in the body are at an abnormally high level, poisoning the body. It is a dangerous and serious condition that can develop very quickly, sometimes within the space of 24 hours.

1. Abdominal pain2. Confusion and difficulty

concentrating3. Dry or flushed skin4. Excessive thirst mouth5. Fruity breath6. Frequent urination7. Nausea and vomiting8. Shortness of breath.

KETOSIS TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Ketosis does not usually occur in healthy individuals that eat balanced diets. Drastically reducing the amount of calories and carbohydrates that are consumed, exercising for long periods of time and pregnancy can all cause the process to occur.

In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, ketosis and eventually ketoacidosis may occur if not enough insulin is being used. Diabetic ketoacidosis is typically considered to be an emergency, with treatment delivered in the emergency room or following hospitalization.

Ketone levels can be monitored using urine testing kits that are commonly available over the counter.

TREATMENT

Feed a properly balanced ration Common Treatments

Glucose injections into the bloodstream Hormone injections (cortisone or

adrenocorticotrophic hormone) Oral feeding of propylene glycol or sodium

propionate Feeding molasses will not cure Ketosis

Among healthy people, ketosis can be prevented by following a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly.

1. Monitor blood sugar levels carefully and frequently - at least three to four times a day

2. Discuss insulin dosage with a specialist and follow a diabetes treatment plan

3. Keep an eye on ketone levels with a test kit, particularly when ill or under stress.

For diabetic patients, the following measures are commonly taken:

1. Fluid replacement - to rehydrate the body and dilute the excess sugar in the blood

2. Electrolyte replacement - these are needed to help keep the heart, muscles and nerve cells functioning correctly. Levels in the blood often drop in the absence of insulin

3. Insulin therapy - to reverse the processes that caused the episode of ketoacidosis.