Ketosis develops in the patients with diabetes mellitus, as the result of activation of fatty acids oxidation processes. What acid-base imbalance can result from accumulation of excessive ketone bodies in the blood?

Answer options

1. Metabolic alkalosis
2. Metabolic acidosis
3. Respiratory acidosis
4. Respiratory alkalosis
5. No imbalance occurs

Explanation

Because of diabetes mellitus, ketone acid level increases in the blood, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Due to a lack of insulin, fatty acid oxidation increases to provide energy to cells. Some of these fatty acids may convert to ketone bodies, increasing their level in the blood, i.e., ketoacidosis.