Hunger ketoacidosis occurs when a person has suffered an extended period of fasting. During starvation ketoacidosis, fatty acids replace glucose as the primary source of fuel for the body.
Ketoacidosis of starvation is rare, but some people may be at higher risk of developing it than others. People at higher risk include people with eating disorders.
Ketoacidosis of starvation can be severe if a person does not seek treatment and can even lead to death.
This article discusses in detail the ketoacidosis of starvation, including its symptoms and how to treat and prevent it.
Ketoacidosis is a metabolic condition associated with high levels of ketones in the blood. Ketones accumulate when the body breaks down fatty acids to use for energy instead of carbohydrates.
Ketoacidosis of starvation occurs when the body has not received enough glucose as its primary source of energy for an extended period of time.
There are various reasons why a person would have fasted for a long time, including:
Mild ketosis – which means that the body uses fat as an energy source – can occur after a
Ketoacidosis occurs when an accumulation of ketones causes the blood to become acidic. In hunger ketoacidosis, once the body has lost fat, it begins to break down muscles, which release amino acids and lactate into a person’s blood. The liver then breaks them down into sugars to be used for fuel.
The transition from ketosis to ketoacidosis can occur after
Learn more about the difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis here.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when a person’s body begins to run out of insulin, which can be life-threatening.
Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but is more likely to affect people with type 1 diabetes.
Learn about diabetic ketoacidosis here.
Alcoholic ketoacidosis
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Alcoholic ketoacidosis occurs when a person’s body cannot use glucose from their diet.
The alcohol in their blood keeps their blood sugar low and prevents glucose production by the liver.
Signs and symptoms of starvation ketoacidosis can
A 2020 case report presented information on people with psychiatric problems and starving ketoacidosis. The authors conclude that making an accurate diagnosis may be more difficult in people with psychiatric disorders, as these individuals may not be able to provide an accurate history of health or eating habits. As a result, there may be a delay in treatment.
Possible causes of starvation ketoacidosis include:
Most people who have easy access to food have a low risk of developing starvation ketoacidosis.
However, intermittent fasting, especially in combination with an extreme diet, such as a ketogenic diet, can put a person at a higher risk of developing ketoacidosis. People interested in following specialized diets, such as the keto diet, should talk to their doctor before starting the diet.
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- difficulty swallowing, including after surgery or radiation therapy
- having underlying conditions or diseases that prevent proper nutrition
- going for extended periods without proper nutrition
Ketoacidosis of starvation is not common in healthy people because it is due to a lack of glucose in the diet after long periods of starvation.
Therefore, when ketoacidosis of starvation occurs, a person’s doctor may look for other causes of weight loss, which may delay diagnosis and treatment.
If a person is experiencing unexplained weight loss, they should tell their doctor about:
- any other symptoms
- their diet
- any underlying health conditions
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Ketoacidosis of starvation occurs when the body is deprived of the food and energy needed for an extended period. Although food may seem like obvious therapy, it can be dangerous for a person who has lived with malnutrition for a long time.
When a doctor treats a person for hunger ketoacidosis, they will have to do it
A case study involved a person living with anorexia who developed hunger ketoacidosis. Doctors treated this person with a solution of dextrose for 15 hours, during which time the ketoacidosis improved.
With proper treatment, including the treatment of underlying health conditions such as anorexia, a person should fully recover.
When ketoacidosis of starvation occurs, a person’s body will often begin to dissipate. In other words, they will begin to look thinner or pulled, and their bones will appear more pronounced.
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Without treatment, ketoacidosis can be fatal.
People who live with a basic condition or who are undergoing radiation therapy or surgery should work with their doctor to make sure they can eat enough food to prevent ketoacidosis.
Help is also available for people living with eating disorders. Although treatment can be a challenge, it can lead to recovery, giving the person a full and active life.
Eating disorders can seriously affect the quality of life of people living with these conditions and those close to them. Early intervention and treatment greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
Anyone who suspects that they or a loved one has an eating disorder can contact the National Eating Disorders Association for advice and assistance by:
- phone or text at 800-931-2237
- chat online by accessing this link
These services are only open during certain hours. Someone in crisis can send “NEDA” to 741741 at any time to get support from a volunteer trained at Crisis Text Line.
Alternatively, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) runs a Disaster Helpline that people can contact at 800-985-5990 for 24-7 assistance.
Many other resources are available, including:
Learn more about different types of eating disorders here.
Ketoacidosis of starvation is an unusual form of ketoacidosis. It occurs when a person does not eat enough food regularly or cannot absorb nutrients properly.
A doctor can check the ketoacidosis of starvation with blood tests and you will need to monitor the person as he or she starts eating again.
Most healthy people with an adequate amount of food are not at risk. However, people who suffer from eating disorders and those who have undergone certain medical procedures may be at a higher risk of developing starvation ketoacidosis.
A full recovery is usually possible during treatment.