Final answer:
Excess ketoacids in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis and acidosis, decreasing blood pH and affecting breathing by causing deep, labored breaths known as Kussmaul respiration to expel excess carbon dioxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals with unregulated high blood glucose, as seen in diabetes, can produce excess levels of ketoacids due to the condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This happens when the body starts to break down fatty acids for energy in the absence of sufficient glucose, leading to the formation of ketone bodies such as acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and acetone, creating an acidic environment in the blood. The excess of these ketoacids in blood plasma can lead to acidosis, which causes a decrease in blood pH and can affect breathing patterns.
Acidosis stimulates an increase in the rate and depth of breathing as the body attempts to reduce acidic levels by exhaling more carbon dioxide. This type of breathing, known as Kussmaul respiration, is deep and labored, and is a compensatory mechanism for the body to try and correct the lowered pH level in the blood. When diabetic ketoacidosis is not treated, it can lead to severe dehydration, a drop in blood pressure, and a decrease in the ability of hemoglobin to transport oxygen, which can further impact breathing and overall health.