Ketosis Vs. Ketoacidosis (dka): What Is The Difference?
Let’s break it down so that you can understand exactly what ketosis is and how it differs from ketoacidosis. But the states they refer to are nothing alike. In this case, maybe mistakes are understandable. Many people who believe that ketosis is dangerous are mixing it up with another state called "ketoacidosis." The two words do sound very similar. And some people simply make mistakes. Profit motives tend to muddy up the works when it comes to getting clear, factual information about your health. Well, there are a lot of individuals and companies which all have their own goals and motivations. Where do these misperceptions come from? Here’s the thing though … that is all misinformation. You then Googled something like, "low carb dangerous" and found a list of link-bait articles informing you that low-carb is a ketogenic diet, and ketosis is a dangerous metabolic state which can be fatal. And then maybe someone said something to you like, "What are you thinking? Low-carb is a dangerous diet." If you are thinking about starting a low-carb diet, maybe you have mentioned it to some of your family or friends. By the time you finish reading this article, you will understand why low-carb is a safe diet. Continue reading >>
> Hyperglycemia And Diabetic Ketoacidosis
When blood glucose levels (also called blood sugar levels) are too high, it's called hyperglycemia. Glucose is a sugar that comes from foods, and is formed and stored inside the body. It's the main source of energy for the body's cells and is carried to each through the bloodstream. But even though we need glucose for energy, too much glucose in the blood can be unhealthy. Hyperglycemia is the hallmark of diabetes — it happens when the body either can't make insulin (type 1 diabetes) or can't respond to insulin properly (type 2 diabetes). The body needs insulin so glucose in the blood can enter the cells to be used for energy. In people who have developed diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood, resulting in hyperglycemia. If it's not treated, hyperglycemia can cause serious health problems. Too much sugar in the bloodstream for long periods of time can damage the vessels that supply blood to vital organs. And, too much sugar in the bloodstream can cause other types of damage to body tissues, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems in people with diabetes. These problems don't usually show up in kids or teens with diabetes who have had the disease for only a few years. However, they can happen in adulthood in some people, particularly if they haven't managed or controlled their diabetes properly. Blood sugar levels are considered high when they're above someone's target range. The diabetes health care team will let you know what your child's target blood sugar levels are, which will vary based on factors like your child's age. A major goal in controlling diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to the desired range as possible. It's a three-way balancing act of: diabetes medicines (such as in Continue reading >>
Nutritional Ketosis: A Diabetic Ally In Disguise
Nutritional Ketosis: A Diabetic Ally in Disguise In contrast with Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Nutritional Ketosis is a metabolic state that exists in the presence of an adequate amount of insulin to transport glucose from the diets limited carbs out of the bloodstream and into the cells that may require them. In this scenario, glucagon driven high blood sugars dont exist, as is the case with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. The ketones measured result not from a cascade of emergency biological survival mechanisms runamok, but from purposefully modifying your dietary fat, protein and carbohydrate proportions with the specific goal of modestly increasing your fatty acid release and experiencing the benefits that come with it. Im posting these installments about a week apart each, and Ive never been accused of using one word when I could get away with ten, so in case youve lost your place, here is a quick review. Skip to the next header if you are reading these in series. In the first post, Ketone Danger: Arent ketones dangerous todiabetics? I reviewed the origins of this common misconception through the lens of our ever evolving scientific understanding about what exactly is diabetes, and all of the underlying metabolic factors. In summary, before we even knew about insulin, or even understood that T1 and T2 diabetes were separate diseases, we knew that ketones were a sign of impending doom in young, slim people who spilled sugar in their urine. That caution has persisted as a generalized fear of ketones, even where there is no cause for concern and indeed ketones may indicate a healthy metabolism. It is with the relative security our ability to treat the condition with insulin that we are able to put the role of ketones in perspective, but common wisdom has not yet caught up with veri Continue reading >>
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Print Overview Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The condition develops when your body can't produce enough insulin. Insulin normally plays a key role in helping sugar (glucose) — a major source of energy for your muscles and other tissues — enter your cells. Without enough insulin, your body begins to break down fat as fuel. This process produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis if untreated. If you have diabetes or you're at risk of diabetes, learn the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis — and know when to seek emergency care. Symptoms Diabetic ketoacidosis signs and symptoms often develop quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. For some, these signs and symptoms may be the first indication of having diabetes. You may notice: Excessive thirst Frequent urination Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Weakness or fatigue Shortness of breath Fruity-scented breath Confusion More-specific signs of diabetic ketoacidosis — which can be detected through home blood and urine testing kits — include: High blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) High ketone levels in your urine When to see a doctor If you feel ill or stressed or you've had a recent illness or injury, check your blood sugar level often. You might also try an over-the-counter urine ketones testing kit. Contact your doctor immediately if: You're vomiting and unable to tolerate food or liquid Your blood sugar level is higher than your target range and doesn't respond to home treatment Your urine ketone level is moderate or high Seek emergency care if: Your blood sugar level is consistently higher than 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 16.7 mill Continue reading >>
The Metabolic Magic Bullet: Nutritional Ketosis
The Metabolic Magic Bullet: Nutritional Ketosis Home / Ketosis Diet /The Metabolic Magic Bullet: Nutritional Ketosis The Metabolic Magic Bullet: Nutritional Ketosis Weight loss is an ever-elusive state of being for most Americans. In a culture where over sixty-five percent of individuals are unhappy with their weight, finding a strategy to drop the pounds is always on our minds. Unfortunately, not many people will consider the one diet plan that the weight loss experts consider a metabolic magic bullet: nutritional ketosis. By bringing yourself into a safe state of ketosis, you can shed weight safely and quickly without starvation. To put it simply, nutritional ketosis is a state of being where the body uses fat molecules to provide energy to the bodys cells instead of the glucose. Traditionally, a normal diet provides the body with a great deal of glucose through the consumption of food items like carbohydrates-rich bread, pasta, fruits, and grains. These carbohydrates are broken down into sugars like glucose. This glucose is then released into the blood where it is drawn into cells. In the absence of an abundance of glucose, the human body can substitute glucose with small organic molecules called ketone bodies that the liver makes as a byproduct of breaking down dietary fat. Over time, this process causes the fat stores in the body to shrink. This is the very definition of a body hack; you are essentially retraining your body to burn a different kind of fuel! Even better, your body will experience an increase in energy output and a reduction of inflammation. Its no wonder that weight loss experts love the nutritional ketosis diet plan. The one drawback of this approach is that it is difficult to achieve a constant state of ketosis. The first step in achieving nutrit Continue reading >>
Ketosis Ketoacidosis And The Risk Of Some Diabetes Drugs | Dr. Jonathan Goodman, Nd
KETOSIS VS. KETOACIDOSIS: THEYRE NOT AT ALL THE SAME: Why a new class of diabetes drug got an FDA warning The FDA recently issued a warning of a risk of ketoacidosis from a new class of type 2 diabetes drugs. The drugs, called Farxiga, Invokana, and Jardiance are SGLT2 inhibitors. They make it easier for sugar to get through the kidneys so it can be removed in urine. These drugs are used to help lower blood sugar and support weight loss. Ill explain why these drugs are risky, especially if youre on a low-carb diet. Ketosis, or nutritional ketosis, or keto-adaptation, is a normal, healthy adaptation mechanism. Our brains can use either glucose or ketones as fuel. If we eat a restricted amount of carbohydrates, usually less than 50 grams per day, our fat is broken down to make ketones. This process is ongoing but controlled and is designed to keep our brains well-nourished. As soon as we add back carbohydrates, ketosis stops. The insulin in our bodies gets the sugar into our cells, signaling the body to stop making ketones. Many of my patients find they lose weight and fat faster when they are in ketosis. I have been in and out of ketosis and find I feel leaner in ketosis. If you are interested in spending more time in ketosis, contact the office. We will map out a safe path for you. Unlike ketosis, ketoacidosis reflects an uncontrolled breakdown of fat and protein to make ketones. Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetics are most at risk. Without insulin, the body will keep creating ketones, raising the level in the blood. Once the levels get above 20 mmol/L the lungs and kidneys are overstressed trying to remove the acid from the blood. Coma and death are possible outcomes if the condition is untreated. Insulin infusion will stop the creation of ketones and allow the level Continue reading >>
Nutritional Ketosis Vs Ketoacidosis
Nutritional ketosis is a normal, physiological response to carbohydrate and energy restriction. A ketogenic diet is an effective weight loss strategy for many. Ketoacidosis, on the other hand, is a pathological condition caused by insulin deficiency. The common theme is low insulin; however, in ketoacidosis, blood glucose levels are very high. Ketone levels are elevated in both states, although are 10-20x higher in ketoacidosis (~0.5-2 vs. > 20 mM). Nutritional ketosis and ketoacidosis should not be confused with one another, and a ketogenic diet doesn’t cause ketoacidosis. Read more science on Nutritional Ketosis VS Ketoacidosis at The poor, misunderstood calorie Blog Continue reading >>
- Reversing Type 2 Diabetes with Nutritional Ketosis
- A Novel Intervention Including Individualized Nutritional Recommendations Reduces Hemoglobin A1c Level, Medication Use, and Weight in Type 2 Diabetes
- A Novel Intervention Including Individualized Nutritional Recommendations Reduces Hemoglobin A1c Level, Medication Use, and Weight in Type 2 Diabetes
Ketoacidosis (dka) Vs Ketosis What’s The Difference?
Although ketosis and ketoacidosis may sound the same, they are two distinct things. We are going to be talking about the difference between ketoacidosis and ketosis and what makes the two diverse from one another. In order to provide a good explanation of what these conditions are and how they affect the body, we must talk about their main common denominator, the ketones. These are organic compounds that the body will provide when it starts to burn stored fat instead of burning glucose or sugar when it requires energy. What is Ketoacidosis? DKA applies to diabetic ketoacidosis and is a complication of type 1 diabetes. Ketoacidosis is a very dangerous condition that makes it difficult for your body to be able to produce a good level of insulin. Your levels of ketones can rise to very dangerous levels, which will also increase your blood sugar. The ketones create a very acidic environment inside your body, and the function of certain organs will be affected severely. It becomes a life-threatening situation when presented with high levels of ketones and excess blood sugar. Anyone not given proper treatment for DKA could end up in a coma and even die. The kidneys and liver are affected more than most other organs, and this can create a very serious health issue. Once a person develops what is known as diabetic ketoacidosis, they will show severe symptoms within as little as 24 hours. When a person has type one diabetes, they are in great danger of developing diabetic ketoacidosis. What is ketosis The best way to explain ketosis is to consider it a very mild form of ketoacidosis, and the truth is that this is not going to be harmful most of the time. In your lifestyle, if you’re on a ketogenic diet nutrition plan or any long-term low-carb diet, you might be experiencing ke Continue reading >>
Ketosis Vs Ketoacidosis
Ever since the discovery of the Atkins diet, low carb diets have been hugely popular amongst people of all ages, genders, shapes, and sizes. It wasn’t until the media decided to focus on them so much however, largely because many Hollywood celebrities were using them to drop body fat, increase lean muscle mass and build physiques to be proud of, that the general public began experimenting with them and trying them for themselves. In order for any low carb to be deemed as effective however, the body has to fall into a metabolic state known as ketosis. Ketosis is considered largely beneficial, but is also often confused for ketoacidiosis, which couldn’t be more different. Here we’ll be taking a look at what ketosis and ketoacidosis is, and exactly how and why they’re so different from one another. So, without any further hesitation, let’s get started. What is ketosis? – Ketosis naturally occurs when blood circulating throughout the body contains naturally high concentrations of ketones, or ketoacids. Ketosis occurs because of a change in the body’s natural pathways of energy creation. Normally, the body’s preferred energy source is glucose, which is a form of sugar. Glucose can naturally be absorbed via the diet, and it can also be synthesised from other forms of sugar. When we take away glucose, sugars, and food sources that the body can use to convert into glucose however, the body then falls into starvation mode because it literally has no energy. The body will begin to panic as it will fear it is starving and it will therefore begin looking elsewhere for other sources of energy. It will begin using stored body fat for energy once it falls into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is able to occur as a result of our livers actually burning body fat and using it Continue reading >>
Ketones In Urine – How To Test And What Levels Are Optimal
There are likely two reasons you want to test the ketone levels in your urine: REASON 1 – you’ve got type one diabetes (or type two diabetes, in some cases) and you need to test the ketones levels in your urine to help you avoid ketoacidosis. If that’s the case, skip down to the sections on… Then, skip straight to the section on… REASON 2 – you’re on the Keto diet and you want to use urine strips to check if you’re in ketosis. If that’s the case, then don’t worry we’ll also cover: But skip the section on ketoacidosis – it doesn’t apply to you unless you’re diabetic! Note that information contained in this article (and website) is not intended to and shall not convey or recommend any medical or nutritional advice or course of action. Any diet, health, or nutritional program you undertake should be discussed with your doctor or other licensed medical professionals. All opinions expressed in this article are based solely on personal experiences and research. We are NOT licensed doctors, dietitians, or nutritionists. Testing Laboratory Microbiology - Air Quality - Mold Asbestos - Environmental - Lead emsl.com What are ketones? First things first – a quick 101 intro on what ketones actually are: Ketone bodies (or ketones) are produced by your liver during the break down of fatty acids when your body is low on glucose. Your body then uses these ketone bodies as fuel. You see, your cells can’t directly use the fatty acids in your fat stores to produce energy. And that’s because those fatty acids are unable to pass through the membrane which surrounds your cells. And if they can’t get inside? They can’t be used as fuel. So there’s an extra step to the process: First, the fatty acids travel to your liver where they’re broken down into ke Continue reading >>
Is Ketosis Dangerous? The Facts About Ketosis Vs. Ketoacidosis
Is Ketosis dangerous? Haven’t people died while following ketogenic diets? Without fail, every single person who considers a ketogenic diet plan wants to know the answers to these questions. And rightly so, after all, no one wants to die or cause themselves permanent damage from trying to lose a few pounds. It doesn’t matter how ripped you are if you’re dead! As regular readers know, I’m a big advocate of ketogenic dieting for fat loss mainly because of its ability to reduce hunger which in turn naturally lowers caloric intake and results in easy fat loss. Unfortunately, the mainstream doesn’t like ketogenic dieting and ever since Atkins there’s been attempts to discredit this way of eating. One of the most common criticisms of ketogenic diets is that ketosis is a metabolically dangerous state to be in and that it can be toxic. In this article I’ll clear up this myth and explain why you have nothing to worry about. Is Ketosis Dangerous? The simple answer is no. Ketosis is not dangerous, it’s ketoacidosis that is dangerous but you’ve nothing to worry about. The confusion between the two is usually the reason people make false statements about the dangers of keto. Unfortunately even people you’d expect to know better get this wrong…personal trainers, doctors and nutritionists to name but a few. Maybe they stop researching and reading once they get a few letters after their name and feel like they’ve made it. I don’t know but what I do know is that they’re helping to spread misleading information even if they don’t know it. The confusion usually stems from them not understanding the difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis For the general public to be confused between the two similar sounding terms is understandable, but from the very peopl Continue reading >>
Is Keto Healthy? Ketosis Vs Ketoacidosis
Is Keto Healthy? Ketosis vs Ketoacidosis When looking at a ketogenic diet and ketosis, it’s common for some people to confuse the process with a harmful, more extreme version of this state known as diabetic ketoacidosis. But there are a lot of misconceptions out there about ketosis vs ketoacidosis, and it’s time to shed some light on the subject by looking at the (very big) differences between the two. An Overview of Ketosis A ketogenic, or keto, diet is centered around the process of ketosis, so it’s important to understand exactly what ketosis is first before we get into whether or not it’s safe (spoiler: it is): Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body is primarily using fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Burning carbohydrates (glucose) for energy is the default function of the body, so if glucose is available, the body will use that first. But during ketosis, the body is using ketones instead of glucose. This is an amazing survival adaptation by the body for handling periods of famine or fasting, extreme exercise, or anything else that leaves the body without enough glucose for fuel. Those eating a ketogenic diet purposely limit their carb intake (usually between 20 and 50 grams per day) to facilitate this response. That’s why the keto diet focuses on very low carb intake, moderate to low protein intake, and high intakes of dietary fats. Lower protein is important because it prevents the body from pulling your lean muscle mass for energy and instead turns to fat. Ketone bodies are released during ketosis and are created by the liver from fatty acids. These ketones are then used by the body to power all of its biggest organs, including the brain, and they have many benefits for the body we’ll get into later. But first, let’s address a common mi Continue reading >>
What Is Ketosis?
Nutritional ketosis is a metabolic state achieved when your body burns fat as its primary source of fuel rather than carbohydrates. In order to reach ketosis, you must reduce your intake of carbohydrates to around 5 percent of your total calorie intake, or roughly 20 grams of carbohydrates per day. For most of us, our bodies are accustomed to using glucose, or sugar, for energy. When you reduce your carbohydrate intake, your body has to search for other sources of energy. It first turns to glycogen, which is excess glucose that has been stored in the liver and muscles. Each gram of glycogen is bound to 3 to 4 grams of water, so as the glycogen is released, the water goes with it. This is why it's common to lose water weight at the beginning of a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Once stores of glycogen are depleted, your body will begin burning fat. When this happens, the liver produces molecules called ketones, which are then used as fuel. Dr. Richard Veech, one of the world's experts on ketosis, has shown that the heart and brain work 25 percent more efficiently when fueled by ketones rather than blood sugar, which may account for the increased mental clarity that is a hallmark of the ketogenic diet. Some parts of the brain do require glucose, but the body can produce glucose from protein through a process known as gluconeogenesis. Ketosis should not be confused with ketoacidosis, which is a life-threatening condition marked by a high concentration of ketone bodies that can occur in people with diabetes. Ketoacidosis is very rare in people who do not have diabetes. During the the first few days of a ketogenic diet, as the body adapts to burning fat instead of glucose, it's common to experience unpleasant side effects, which may include headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritabili Continue reading >>
Ketogenic Diets: Myths Vs. Reality
The ketogenic diet is loved by some and hated by others. Unfortunately, advocates of the ketogenic diet lifestyle magnify the potential benefits, and critics exaggerate the potential shortcomings of the diet. Because of this, many myths and unfounded beliefs exist about the ketogenic diet. Fortunately, there has been some scientific investigation into many of these myths, so you do not have to be at the mercy of quackery and pseudoscience! Myth #1: Ketogenic Diets Lead to Ketoacidosis (a life-threatening condition) Despite the similarity in name, ketosis and ketoacidosis are two different things. The metabolic state of ketosis has been described as clinically benign and should not be confused with the pathological state of ketoacidosis [1]. Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition resulting from dangerously high levels of ketones. In ketoacidosis, your body fails to adequately regulate ketone production causing the ketones to skyrocket! The severe accumulation of ketones causes an unhealthy increase in the acidity of the blood and subsequently changes the normal functioning of internal organs like your liver and kidneys. If you measured your ketone levels while in ketoacidosis, they would register at levels of 15-20 mmol/liter or more. If you were in this state, you would also have some of these symptoms: In extreme cases ketoacidosis can be fatal. However, it is important to note that the state of ketoacidosis is almost always associated with uncontrolled type I diabetesnot in individuals that are healthy [2]. Nutritional ketosis, on the other hand, is the result of a nutritional approach that both non-diabetics and diabetics can safely achieve through low-carb nutrition. With this approach, you have a higher than usual level of ketones in your blood or urine, but Continue reading >>
The Diet That Reverses Diabetes. Nutritional Ketosis For Diabetes
The most important way to manage diabetes is through proper nutrition; however, if you want to reverse this disease and reduce or even eliminate diabetes medications, then it could be advisable to avoid the American Diabetes Association dietary guidelines, and turn away from commonly prescribed diets that have made diabetes much, much worse. A growing body of scientific data is pointing towards a diet that has the potential to reverse Type 2 Diabetes, and even reduce drug dependence for Type 1 Diabetes: The Ketogenic Diet. More than just a diet, using fat to fuel the body instead of carbohydrates has scientifically proven to improve biomarkers of age, optimise weight loss and reverse many chronic diseases, including some cancers. Not only does the ketogenic diet offer a potential cure for diabesity (diabetes + obesity), the positive side-effects of this lifestyle choice are numerous. Big claims? Indeed, however, new long-term research into this way of eating is shattering old-school paradigms on nutrition and is changing the way we view and approach our modern diet. The ketogenic diet has been around since the beginning of time and is an important part of our evolution, without the ability to burn fat instead of glucose as fuel, many people would have starved to death. Ketosis refers to the fuel source your body survives on. The standard western supermarket diet is high in carbohydrates and as your body absorbs these carbohydrates they are converted into glucose (sugar), these glucose molecules are then transported into cells by insulin to fuel each cell in your body. When we reduce our carbohydrate intake to a minimum (usually 5 to 10% of daily caloric intake) there is no longer enough glucose to fuel the body, so the body very cleverly goes looking for a second fuel s Continue reading >>
