An acetone crisis is an abnormality in the concentration of elements produced by fat in the blood. It is often linked to diabetes, but also occurs in other medical conditions such as hypoglycemia or when fasting.

Acetone crisis, also called ketoneemia, means a high concentration in the blood of cetonic corpse. These are produced by the body when it is in lack of reserves of carbohydrates, the elements necessary for the presence of a sufficient quantity of glucose in the blood (which plays an essential energy role).

Ketones are naturally produced by the liver, by degrading the fat and protein tissues of the body. Usually, these bodies are therefore eliminated by the kidneys, in the urine. Acetonemia occurs when too much of these bodies are found in the blood. If this is the case, the pH of the blood becomes more acidic, this is a acidocétose.

The cause of an acetone crisis is usually a hypoglycemia. The body does not have enough glucose as a result of food, and will therefore get it where it can: from fat. Although most of us strive to get rid of it, it is natural to have some fat in the body that can be exploited with low food intake.

The causes are therefore essentially linked to this lack of carbohydrates, such as:

• Undernutrition, that is to say the fact of not eating enough or with a good balance of carbohydrates;
• A fast, especially in the early days. This method is gaining more and more followers, and not just to lose weight. However, it is necessary to be well informed and to prepare for it before launching;
• Anorexia, mainly in young women. This disorder can have various causes to be treated as a priority;
• Diabetes, or otherwise known as hyperglycemia (of the level of sugar in the blood), linked to an insulin deficiency;
• An infection, such as otitis, gastroenteritis or nasopharyngitis.

Acetonemia crisis is recognized in the same way as diabetes:

• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Headache ;
• The smell of the breath changes, with a strong resemblance to that of very sweet fruits;
• Drowsiness, wanting to sleep for no apparent reason;
• Loss of appetite;
• Constipation ;
• Irritable mood (compared to usual).

Note that if some of these symptoms have other explanations, a simple combination of acetonemic breath and vomiting is sufficient to clearly designate an acetone crisis.

To spot an acetone crisis, one must measure the level of ketone bodies in the body. For this, various means are possible:

• Blood test, and ketone body analysis, using test devices or test strips;
• Urine analysis.

Acetonemia is often visible in younger people, who are still unaware of diabetes, and therefore it makes it possible to make the first diagnosis.

Acetonemia crisis can lead to various ailments, from the least serious to the most fatal:

• Tired ;
• Shortness of breath;
• Breathing difficulties;
• Cardiac disorders;
• Disorders of consciousness;
• Ketoacidosis coma, which can lead to death.

The treatments are:           

• Significant hydration (drink plenty of water as soon as symptoms appear);
• Ingestion of slow sugars (found in bread, pasta or rice);
• Taking bicarbonates to lower the acidity of the blood;
• Taking insulin to lower the level of carbohydrates in the blood, in the case of diabetes.