What are the symptoms of ketoacidosis?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
In general, symptoms of ketoacidosis mainly include frequent urination, excessive thirst and drinking, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and deep rapid breathing. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. Daily management should include regular blood glucose monitoring, avoiding overeating or extreme dieting, and limiting intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods. Immediate medical attention is required upon appearance of the above symptoms—do not delay.
Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of ketoacidosis include frequent urination, excessive thirst and drinking, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and deep, rapid breathing. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Frequent urination
When blood glucose levels rise sharply, the kidneys are unable to completely reabsorb glucose. Excess glucose is excreted in the urine, carrying large amounts of water with it, leading to polyuria. Patients experience significantly increased frequency of urination, larger urine volume per void, and frequent nighttime awakenings to urinate.
2. Excessive thirst and drinking
Frequent urination causes substantial loss of body fluids, increasing the osmotic pressure of extracellular fluid and stimulating the thirst center, resulting in intense thirst. Patients drink frequently, with fluid intake far exceeding normal levels, yet still find it difficult to relieve their thirst.
3. Nausea and vomiting
A large accumulation of ketones in the body lowers blood pH, causing metabolic acidosis, which irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa and leads to nausea and vomiting. Vomiting is often projectile, and the vomit may have a fruity (resembling rotten apples) odor.
4. Abdominal pain
Acidosis affects the peristalsis of gastrointestinal smooth muscles, while electrolyte imbalances cause gastrointestinal spasms, resulting in abdominal pain. The pain is typically a persistent dull ache, not fixed in location, and may be accompanied by bloating, and cessation of flatus or bowel movements.
5. Deep and rapid breathing
To compensate for acidosis, the body increases respiration to expel excess carbon dioxide, resulting in deep and rapid breathing. Patients exhibit an increased respiratory rate and deeper breaths, and the exhaled air has a distinct fruity (rotten apple-like) odor.
In daily life, regular blood glucose monitoring is essential. Avoid binge eating or extreme dieting, and limit intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods. If any of the above symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is required—do not delay. During treatment, follow medical advice to replenish fluids and electrolytes, maintain a regular routine, and support recovery.
