This article was originally written by Scott Groth on April 14, 2018 and has been updated by Brenda Peralta, RDN on March 14, 2024.
Ketosis vs Ketoacidosis
In the world of health and wellness, you’ve probably heard about the terms “ketoacidosis” and “ketosis,” especially in the context of dietary approaches like the keto diet. Although they may sound like the same thing, the two conditions differ in their implications for health.
If you are following a low-carb diet, it’s important to understand these terms, their processes, and their potential impact on the body.
This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the confusion and misconceptions that often cloud the understanding of these critical health states.
Table of Contents
What Is Ketosis?
Ketosis is a natural metabolic state characterized by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood. They result from a carbohydrate-restrictive diet or prolonged fasting periods. Evidence suggests that ketosis can provide several health benefits, such as enhanced weight loss, improved mental clarity, and steady energy levels.
How Does Ketosis Occur?
When you significantly reduce your carb intake (like when following a low-carb or keto diet), the body gets depleted of its glycogen stores. The problem is that glycogen, or glucose, is the primary source of energy in the body.
Due to a lack of glucose, the liver starts breaking down fatty acids into ketones, which can serve as an alternative fuel for several parts of the body, including the brain.
Inducing Ketosis
You can achieve ketosis through dietary changes. This involves consuming less than 50 grams of carbs per day, while increasing the consumption of healthy fats and a moderate protein intake.
What Is Ketoacidosis?
Unlike ketosis, ketoacidosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is mostly common in people with diabetes, especially when their blood sugar levels are uncontrolled.
The Causes and Risks of Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is primarily associated with two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 (unless it’s less common). It happens from a combination of high blood sugar levels and a shortage of insulin. This causes the body to break down fat too rapidly, resulting in the accumulation of acidic ketones and hence people face diabetic ketoacidosis.
Identifying and Managing Ketoacidosis
Symptoms of ketoacidosis can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and confusion.
If you suspect ketoacidosis, seek immediate medical assistance.
Treatment often involved insulin therapy, fluid replacement, and addressing the underlying cause of the condition.
This article was originally written by Scott Groth on April 14, 2018 and has been updated by Brenda Peralta, RDN on March 14, 2024.
Ketosis vs Ketoacidosis
In the world of health and wellness, you’ve probably heard about the terms “ketoacidosis” and “ketosis,” especially in the context of dietary approaches like the keto diet. Although they may sound like the same thing, the two conditions differ in their implications for health.
If you are following a low-carb diet, it’s important to understand these terms, their processes, and their potential impact on the body.
This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the confusion and misconceptions that often cloud the understanding of these critical health states.
Table of Contents
What Is Ketosis?
Ketosis is a natural metabolic state characterized by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood. They result from a carbohydrate-restrictive diet or prolonged fasting periods. Evidence suggests that ketosis can provide several health benefits, such as enhanced weight loss, improved mental clarity, and steady energy levels.
How Does Ketosis Occur?
When you significantly reduce your carb intake (like when following a low-carb or keto diet), the body gets depleted of its glycogen stores. The problem is that glycogen, or glucose, is the primary source of energy in the body.
Due to a lack of glucose, the liver starts breaking down fatty acids into ketones, which can serve as an alternative fuel for several parts of the body, including the brain.
Inducing Ketosis
You can achieve ketosis through dietary changes. This involves consuming less than 50 grams of carbs per day, while increasing the consumption of healthy fats and a moderate protein intake.
What Is Ketoacidosis?
Unlike ketosis, ketoacidosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is mostly common in people with diabetes, especially when their blood sugar levels are uncontrolled.
The Causes and Risks of Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is primarily associated with two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 (unless it’s less common). It happens from a combination of high blood sugar levels and a shortage of insulin. This causes the body to break down fat too rapidly, resulting in the accumulation of acidic ketones and hence people face diabetic ketoacidosis.
Identifying and Managing Ketoacidosis
Symptoms of ketoacidosis can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and confusion.
If you suspect ketoacidosis, seek immediate medical assistance.
Treatment often involved insulin therapy, fluid replacement, and addressing the underlying cause of the condition.
Key Differences Between Ketoacidosis and Ketosis
The contrast between ketoacidosis and ketosis is crucial, mainly in terms of their impact on health.
While ketosis can offer several health benefits and is considered safe for most people, ketoacidosis poses severe risks and should be carefully managed, especially by those who have diabetes.
It’s important to emphasize the role of a health professional in any dietary or lifestyle change, especially if you are considering a drastic switch to a keto diet.
Health monitoring can help prevent the development of ketoacidosis in at-risk individuals and ensure that ketosis is achieved and maintained safely.
How To Tell The Difference Between Ketosis And Ketoacidosis?
The best way to determine your ketone levels is through bloodwork or a urine test. If you take a urine test, here is how to read the results.
- Low ketone levels: <20 mg/dL
- Moderate ketone levels: 30-40 mg/dL
- High ketone levels: >80 mg/dL
People with diabetes who are on a weight loss journey may often have low to moderate ketone levels. However, this doesn’t increase the risk of diabetes ketoacidosis. That is if the blood sugar levels are well managed and within recommended ranges.
Keep in mind that for people with diabetes, it’s best to check ketone levels through bloodwork rather than blood ketone tests.
Promoting Safe and Informed Utilization of Ketogenic Diets
Keto diets have been increasingly popular. However, their efficacy and safety depend on the individual’s health status, adherence to the diet, and proper education. It’s important to approach such dietary changes systematically and with a sound understanding of their potential impact.
Final Words
It’s crucial to understand the difference between ketoacidosis and ketosis. Educating oneself on the subject is an essential part of taking control of your well-being. It also helps you understand how low carbohydrate diet or keto diet works.
Whether you are considering a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet or simply seeking to improve overall health, understanding the differences between these will help you make informed decisions that support rather than compromise your health goals.
Key Differences Between Ketoacidosis and Ketosis
The contrast between ketoacidosis and ketosis is crucial, mainly in terms of their impact on health.
While ketosis can offer several health benefits and is considered safe for most people, ketoacidosis poses severe risks and should be carefully managed, especially by those who have diabetes.
It’s important to emphasize the role of a health professional in any dietary or lifestyle change, especially if you are considering a drastic switch to a keto diet.
Health monitoring can help prevent the development of ketoacidosis in at-risk individuals and ensure that ketosis is achieved and maintained safely.
How To Tell The Difference Between Ketosis And Ketoacidosis?
The best way to determine your ketone levels is through bloodwork or a urine test. If you take a urine test, here is how to read the results.
- Low ketone levels: <20 mg/dL
- Moderate ketone levels: 30-40 mg/dL
- High ketone levels: >80 mg/dL
People with diabetes who are on a weight loss journey may often have low to moderate ketone levels. However, this doesn’t increase the risk of diabetes ketoacidosis. That is if the blood sugar levels are well managed and within recommended ranges.
Keep in mind that for people with diabetes, it’s best to check ketone levels through bloodwork rather than blood ketone tests.
Promoting Safe and Informed Utilization of Ketogenic Diets
Keto diets have been increasingly popular. However, their efficacy and safety depend on the individual’s health status, adherence to the diet, and proper education. It’s important to approach such dietary changes systematically and with a sound understanding of their potential impact.
Final Words
It’s crucial to understand the difference between ketoacidosis and ketosis. Educating oneself on the subject is an essential part of taking control of your well-being. It also helps you understand how low carbohydrate diet or keto diet works.
Whether you are considering a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet or simply seeking to improve overall health, understanding the differences between these will help you make informed decisions that support rather than compromise your health goals.
