Talk: Diabetic ketoacidosis
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Why does it say
- and ketone bodies (acids)
Ketones aren't acids, are they? AxelBoldt 05:19 Feb 26, 2003 (UTC)
==
A ketone is a particular chemical type in biochemistry. The ketone bodies here are three chemicals, two of which are chemically ketones. One is not. Large quantities of these do acidify body fluids. The term comes from 'ketones of the body' and originated at a time at which the ketone breath, quite a distinct smell, was the distinguishing feature clinically. Hence the ketone 'bodies' terminology which is otherwise weird in biochemistry. Sorry it took me so long to notice this enquiry.
ww
This article needs to be reconciled with main diabetes mellitus article. Alex.tan 03:47, 5 Feb 2004 (UTC)
ww is incorrect here. They are called ketone bodies because they come from ketones. They are called ketoacids because they are both acid and ketone (well, beta-hydroxybutyrate is actually acid plus alcohol, but acetoacetate is both, and they're ketone bodies because they come from ketones.)
Devilbunny 22:02 18 Oct 2004 (UTC)
- DB, The history is claimed to be as I suggested. The match between the chemistry and the terminology is the confusing bit.ww 21:42, 26 Nov 2004 (UTC)
difficulties with recent edits
Recent edits have taken the position that lack of insulin causes DKA. And that the insulin/glucagon value is the key issue. And that glucagon affects cells generally and not merely those with mobilizable glycogen stores. etc All of these are questionable statements and should be reviewed. ww 21:42, 26 Nov 2004 (UTC)
