Final answer:
The acidosis in diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by both an insulin deficiency and the excessive production of ketones, leading to high blood acidity and potentially severe health complications if not managed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The causes of acidosis in diabetic ketoacidosis are both insulin deficiency and excessive production of ketones. When insulin is deficient, the body cannot utilize glucose properly for energy, leading to the breakdown of fatty acids for energy production. This breakdown results in an overproduction of ketone bodies such as acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. These ketone bodies, being acids, increase the acidity of the blood, causing ketoacidosis. The condition triggers the kidneys to excrete high levels of acid in the urine and can lead to dehydration due to the diuretic effect of glucose in the urine, along with loss of ketones.
A person with diabetes who misses an insulin dose can initiate ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis can be severe and lead to symptoms like deep, rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, and if untreated, a diabetic coma. Therefore, it's critical for people with diabetes to manage their condition with careful monitoring of blood sugar and proper administration of insulin.