Ketosis: What is ketosis?

... is a normal metabolic process. When the body does not have enough glucose (derived from sugars and starches) for energy, it burns stored fats instead; this results in a build-up of acids called ketones within the body.

• Ketosis occurs when the body does not have sufficient access to its primary fuel source, glucose.
• Ketosis describes a condition where fat stores are broken down to produce energy, which also produces ketones, a type of acid.
• In small amounts, ketones serve to indicate that the body is breaking down fat, but high levels of ketones can poison the body, leading to a process called ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can prove fatal.
• People with type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop ketoacidosis, for which emergency medical treatment is required to avoid or treat diabetic coma.
• Some people follow a ketogenic (low-carb) diet to try to lose weight by forcing the body to burn fat stores.