Acetoacetic Acid (Noun)
Meaning
Unstable acid found in abnormal amounts in the blood and urine in some cases of impaired metabolism (as diabetes mellitus or starvation).
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The presence of acetoacetic acid in the urine is often an indicator of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes mellitus.
- In cases of prolonged fasting or starvation, the body begins to break down fat for energy, resulting in the production of acetoacetic acid.
- Elevated levels of acetoacetic acid in the blood can be a sign of impaired glucose metabolism, which is often seen in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
- Acetoacetic acid is one of the three main ketone bodies produced by the liver when it breaks down fatty acids for energy, which can occur in people with uncontrolled diabetes.
- The detection of acetoacetic acid in the urine is a common diagnostic tool for identifying individuals with ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.