Question

A diabetic patient displays acidosis due to accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood. What compensatory changes would take place in the body?

Answer 1

In diabetic acidosis, the body undergoes compensatory changes such as increased exhalation of carbon dioxide, increased urination, and adjustments in glucose production and insulin release.

Step-by-step explanation:

In diabetic acidosis or ketoacidosis, when glucose is not available for energy production, fatty acids are broken down and ketone bodies are produced. The accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood leads to acidosis. To compensate for this, the body undergoes several changes:

1. Rapid and deep breathing, known as Kussmaul breathing, occurs to eliminate excess carbon dioxide and increase blood pH.
2. The kidneys excrete ketone bodies and ions like bicarbonate to lower blood acidity and restore acid-base balance. This leads to increased urination and dehydration.
3. In response to acidosis, the body decreases glucose production and increases insulin release, aiming to normalize blood glucose levels and limit further production of ketone bodies.