Ketonaemia is a medical term used to describe when the level of ketones in the blood rises above normal. The word is pronounced as "kee-toh-nee-mee-uh" and is spelled in English using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /kiːtəʊniːmiə/. The "keto" prefix refers to ketones, which are chemicals produced by the liver when there is a shortage of glucose in the bloodstream. The "-emia" suffix refers to the presence of a substance in the blood. Ketonaemia can be caused by a number of factors, such as fasting, low-carbohydrate diets, or diabetes.
Ketonaemia is a medical term referring to the presence of high levels of ketones in the bloodstream. Ketones are substances produced by the liver when the body does not have enough insulin to convert glucose into energy, causing it to break down fat instead. The buildup of ketones in the blood leads to a condition called ketosis.
Ketonaemia can occur in individuals with diabetes, particularly those with uncontrolled or poorly managed blood sugar levels. In this context, it is often associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by extremely high blood glucose levels, dehydration, excessive ketone production, and acidification of the blood. DKA requires immediate medical attention to restore normal blood sugar levels and electrolyte balance.
Apart from diabetes-related causes, ketonaemia can also result from fasting or prolonged periods of starvation, as the body starts using stored fat for energy. It may also occur in response to a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, such as in some therapeutic or weight loss regimens.
Monitoring ketonaemia levels is crucial in managing certain medical conditions, particularly diabetes. Testing for ketones in the blood or urine can help assess the effectiveness of treatment, including insulin administration, dietary changes, and hydration. Proper monitoring and prompt intervention are essential to prevent the complications associated with prolonged ketonaemia, such as metabolic acidosis, organ damage, and diabetic coma.
The word ketonaemia is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The root keto- is derived from the Greek word ketos, which means large sea creature or whale. In medical terminology, the prefix keto- is used to refer to substances related to ketone bodies, which include acetone, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid.
The suffix -aemia is derived from the Ancient Greek word haima, meaning blood. It is commonly used in medical terms to describe the presence or condition of a substance in the blood.
So, ketonaemia literally translates to the presence of ketone bodies in the blood.