ketoacidosis

American  

[kee-toh-as-i-doh-sis] / ˌki toʊˌæs ɪˈdoʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. metabolic acidosis characterized by high levels of ketones in the blood: when occurring as diabetic ketoacidosis, it is particularly serious.

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Etymology

Origin of ketoacidosis

First recorded in 1950–55; keto- ( def. ) + acidosis ( def. )

Example Sentences

Rates of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication that occurs when insulin levels are so low that cells can no longer convert glucose into energy, were three times that of the rest of Los Angeles County.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

Currently, many young people go undiagnosed and risk developing a life-threatening complication called diabetic ketoacidosis that needs urgent hospital treatment.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

The study also found a 26% higher rate of diabetic ketoacidosis at type 1 diabetes diagnosis during the first 12 months of the pandemic compared with the previous year.

From Washington Times • Jun. 30, 2023

But several cats in the studies also died or had to be euthanized after taking the drug, prompting a so-called black box warning about possible side effects, including diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 23, 2023

“I’ve had ketoacidosis, I’ve been hospitalized, have had complications, all because I ration my insulin,” Wren said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2023