3. 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
4. CONT.
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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 1. Abdominal pain
2. Confusion and difficulty
concentrating
3. Dry or flushed skin
4. Excessive thirst mouth
5. Fruity breath
6. Frequent urination
7. Nausea and vomiting
8. Shortness of breath.
12.
13. 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.
14. Ketone levels can be monitored using urine testing
kits that are commonly available over the counter.
15. 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
16. 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.
17. 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.
