In Type 1 diabetes, the increased production of ketone bodies is primarily a result of which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In Type 1 diabetes, the lack of insulin leads to increased lipolysis and fatty acid release from adipocytes. These fatty acids are transported to the liver, where they undergo β-oxidation, leading to an increased production of acetyl-CoA. The excess acetyl-CoA is then converted into ketone bodies, resulting in ketoacidosis.  The most frequent consequence of poorly controlled T1D is ketoacidosis, referred to as diabetic ketoacidosis, DKA. The hyperketonemia in DKA is the result of insulin deficiency and unregulated glucagon secretion from α-cells of the pancreas. Circulating glucagon stimulates the adipose tissue to release fatty acids which are taken up and oxidized, primarily by the liver. Under these conditions, the level of fatty acid oxidation is in excess of the livers' ability to fully oxidize the excess acetyl-CoA and, thus the compound is diverted into ketones synthesis. The ketones are released into the circulation and because they are acidic, lower the pH of the blood resulting in metabolic acidosis.

In Type 1 Diabetes, the Increased Production of Ketone Bodies