Final answer:
The body corrects metabolic acidosis in diabetic ketoacidosis through renal compensation by conserving bicarbonate ions and secreting hydrogen ions, which helps restore blood pH levels. In severe cases, insulin therapy is employed to control blood sugar and reduce ketone body production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body corrects metabolic acidosis, such as in diabetic ketoacidosis, primarily through renal compensation. The kidneys work to conserve bicarbonate ions () and increase the secretion of hydrogen ions (), helping to reestablish the proper balance between bicarbonate and carbonic acid/CO2 in the blood. This process increases the concentration of bicarbonate and decreases the acidity, gradually restoring the blood pH to normal levels. In severe cases, medical intervention such as insulin therapy may be necessary to reduce blood sugar levels and halt the overproduction of ketone bodies.
During the state of ketoacidosis, the breakdown of fatty acids leads to an overproduction of acetyl-CoA, which then forms ketone bodies like acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and acetone. These ketone bodies contribute to the lowered pH in the blood, a hallmark of metabolic acidosis. However, through the mechanisms of renal compensation and medical treatment, the body strives to correct the acidosis and reestablish a stable internal environment.