Before starting your Keto journey, I want you to truly understand every aspect of this life changing process. Being aware helps you avoid unwanted surprises and prevents you from going off-track. Therefore, I’m choosing today to talk about the difference between Ketosis and KetoAcidosis. Despite the name’s similarity, there is a huge difference between the two. While both involve the production of ketones in the body, they are the result of very different circumstances and have different outcomes. In this article, we will explore the differences between ketosis and ketoacidosis, their causes, and symptoms. 

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a natural metabolic state the body goes through when it burns stored fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. When that happens, the liver turns fats into ketones which serve as energy sources for cells. Ketosis takes place when someone follows the Ketogenic diet, fasts, or follows a low carbohydrate diet. During the Keto diet, your body runs out of enough glucose to use for energy. Consequently, it uses your stored fat and converts it to ketones. This is how Keto supports your weight loss journey if that is your sole objective. It is true that the amount of insulin is low during ketosis, but it’s existent, the cells are getting their nutrition, and blood sugars are supported. 

Ketosis has numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased mental clarity. It has been used to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders, and is also used in the treatment of certain cancers. Read more about the benefits of the Ketogenic diet in this previous post. So in short, ketosis is a natural metabolic state, whereas ketoacidosis is a health complication. 

What is Ketoacidosis?

Ketoacidosis, also known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), is a pathological metabolic state that occurs when there is an excessive production of ketones in the body. It is a diabetes complication where the ketones and blood sugar levels get dangerously high due to an extreme lack of insulin. The high number of Ketones in the blood makes the latter too acidic, which affects the function of organs like liver and kidneys. When you’re in a state of ketosis, the number of ketones you might have ranges between 1 and 8. While in ketoacidosis, it would be around 20.  

You should know that ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that can be life threatening if left untreated. It mainly affects people with type 1 diabetes, whose bodies do not produce insulin. Now even if you are not diabetic, you should also be aware of the causes, the symptoms and the treatment of Ketoacidosis. 

Causes

The lack of insulin for those with diabetes can be triggered by not following a diabetes management diet plan, certain infections like UTIs, or triggering viruses such as COVID-19 for example. Other causes also include:

• Not taking the appropriate dose of insulin
• Having a stroke or heart attack
• Experiencing physical or emotional trauma

Although mostly associated with uncontrolled diabetes, it can also occur due to alcoholism, starvation, or a low-carbohydrate diet in people with certain medical conditions. This is why I always stress on the importance of working with a certified keto coach who should be a certified registered dietitian and nutritional therapist who specialises in Keto, when anyone decides to adopt a ketogenic diet.  

Symptoms 

Sometimes, the symptoms of KDA are the first alarm signs that you have diabetes. So it’s important to be aware of them. The most common symptoms are extreme thirst, frequent urination, and dehydration. But if left untreated, individuals may experience more severe symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion and disorientation
• Fatigue and weakness
• Bad breath
• High blood sugar levels

Treatment 

It is imperative that people with ketoacidosis seek treatment as soon as possible because it can worsen quickly and cause additional health problems that could potentially be fatal. Ketoacidosis can quickly develop and go downhill. It could cause swelling in the brain, fluid in the lungs, kidney damage, comas, and can even be fatal. Its treatment involves hospitalisation and the administration of intravenous fluids and insulin to control blood sugar and ketone levels. In some extreme cases, some patients may even need to be treated in the intensive care unit. 

Managing Ketosis & Ketoacidosis

Below are some tips you can follow to manage each of the two conditions:

Managing ketosis:

1. Work with a nutritional therapist and dietitian who specialises in Keto to monitor your carbohydrates intake. You should maintain 50 grams/day by avoiding high carbohydrate foods such as bread, pasta, rice, and sweet snacks.  
2. Eat enough protein. During a ketogenic diet, it is important you consume enough protein to maintain muscle mass and support your body function.
3. Stay hydrated. During a ketogenic diet, the body excretes more water through urine. Therefore, drink a lot of water and consider adding electrolytes.
4. Consume healthy fats. Avocados, nuts, and seeds are examples of healthy fats that you should consume in order to maintain the state of ketosis. They provide your body with the essential nutrients to function properly.   

Managing ketoacidosis:

1. Test your blood glucose and ketone levels. If you have diabetes, make sure to always monitor your condition through regular testing.
2. Take your insulin. If you have diabetes, don’t skip on insulin or any of your medications in order to maintain safe blood glucose levels.
3. Consult a professional nutritional therapist and dietitian who is an expert in Keto to follow a healthy diet low in carbohydrates, high in protein and healthy fats because it helps you manage blood glucose levels and prevent ketoacidosis.  
4. Stay hydrated. If you are diagnosed with ketoacidosis, your body will quickly lose fluids. Therefore drink a lot of water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. 
5. Seek immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can lead to dangerous complications and may put your life at risk. 

Conclusion

To sum things up, ketosis is a safe natural process that occurs during the limitation of carbohydrates or fasting, and has numerous health benefits. Ketoacidosis, on the other hand, is a life threatening complication due to uncontrolled diabetes or other medical conditions, that requires urgent medical attention.  

Understanding the difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis will help you make informed decisions when it comes to your lifestyle, your diet, and overall health. My advice to you is to always consult with a certified keto coach who should be a certified registered dietitian and nutritional therapist who specialises in Keto, before starting a keto diet because the diet plan is customised according to your specific medical profile and takes into account any illness you may have. Also, if you are feeling concerned and think you have symptoms of ketoacidosis, consult your doctor as soon as possible. There is nothing more important than your health and well being. So listen to your body, notice the signs it’s giving you, and act upon it.

Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to get in touch!