A nutritional ketosis leads to a moderate increase in the concentration of ketones in the body. This is a slow and controlled process that does not significantly change the pH level of the blood. This is very different from ketoacidosis, which is often seen in people with type 1 diabetes (although it can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes). Ketoacidosis is a rapid increase in the concentration of ketones that leads to an acidic blood pH and needs urgent medical attention.[1]
Is nutritional ketosis the same as ketoacidosis?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Nutritional ketosis involves a moderate and controlled increase in ketone levels without significantly affecting blood pH; in contrast, ketoacidosis is a rapid rise in ketones that results in acidic blood pH and requires urgent medical attention, and it often occurs in people with diabetes.