Diagnostic Criteria for Starvation Ketosis
Disease description:
After my examination, the doctor said it was starvation ketosis, but I feel that my symptoms do not match. What is the diagnostic criteria for starvation ketosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Hunger ketosis, also known as malnutrition-related ketosis or non-diabetic ketoacidosis, typically occurs when prolonged insufficient food intake leads to increased fat breakdown in the body and excessive production of ketone bodies. Its diagnostic criteria mainly include:
1. Symptoms: Including thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, headache, nausea, etc., which are associated with metabolic disturbances and ketone body production.
2. Laboratory tests: Blood ketone levels: Elevated, which is the main feature of hunger ketosis. This can be confirmed by measuring the concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid and acetoacetic acid in the blood. Blood glucose levels: Decreased, due to hunger or a low-carbohydrate diet, blood glucose levels may be below normal.
3. Medical history: Patients have a history of poor intake, such as long-term reduced food consumption, insufficient carbohydrate intake, or weight-loss attempts.
In addition, other diseases that may cause similar symptoms and metabolic disturbances need to be ruled out, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, alcohol intoxication, etc. If discomfort is experienced, prompt medical attention is recommended.
