Ketoacidosis:A feature of uncontrolleddiabetes mellituscharacterized by a combination of ketosis andacidosis. Ketosis is the accumulation of substances called keytones andketone bodiesin the blood. Acidosis is increased acidity of the blood.
Symptoms ofketoacidosisinclude slow, deep breathing with a fruity odor to the breath; confusion; frequent urination (polyuria); poor appetite; and eventually loss of consciousness.
The treatment of ketoacidosis is a matter of urgency and is usually done in a hospital. It may require the administration of intravenous fluids,insulin, and glucose, and the institution of changes in the person's diet.
See alsodiabetesmellitus and ketone bodies.
