Final answer:
Diabetic ketoacidosis is an acute complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by the overproduction of ketone bodies leading to acidosis and potentially diabetic coma if untreated. It occurs when cells can't use blood glucose and turn to fatty acids for energy instead.
Step-by-step explanation:
An acute complication of diabetes mellitus is diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition occurs when there is an overproduction of ketone bodies due to the body's cells being unable to utilize the ample glucose present in the bloodstream, typically because of a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. Instead, the body resorts to breaking down fatty acids for energy, producing acidic ketones. Diabetic ketoacidosis is dangerous and can lead to diabetic coma if left untreated.
Diabetic neuropathy, in contrast, is a long-term complication characterized by damage to the nerves, resulting in symptoms like numbness and pain in the extremities. Other complications such as diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness, and infections due to the reduced ability to fight pathogens, result from chronic, poorly controlled diabetes and are not considered acute.