Which statement best explains why insulin deficiency predisposes to ketoacidosis?

Which statement best explains why insulin deficiency predisposes to ketoacidosis?

• A. Ketoacidosis is caused by increased insulin production
• B. It results from insulin deficiency leading to fat breakdown
• C. It is unrelated to insulin levels
• D. It is always accompanied by low blood sugar

Answer: (B)

When insulin is present, it both suppresses fat breakdown and limits ketone production. In insulin deficiency, the brake on lipolysis is released, so adipose tissue releases a large amount of free fatty acids. The liver takes up these fatty acids and, under low insulin (and high counter-regulatory hormones like glucagon), converts them into ketone bodies. These ketones accumulate in the blood, causing metabolic acidosis characteristic of ketoacidosis. This is why lack of insulin predisposes to ketoacidosis: without insulin, fat breakdown and ketogenesis surge. The other statements don’t fit the scenario. Increased insulin production wouldn’t drive ketoacidosis, since ketone production is driven by insulin deficiency. The condition is not unrelated to insulin levels; it is directly tied to low insulin activity. And ketoacidosis is not defined by low blood sugar; it often occurs with high blood glucose, though hypoglycemia can occur in some contexts.

When insulin is present, it both suppresses fat breakdown and limits ketone production. In insulin deficiency, the brake on lipolysis is released, so adipose tissue releases a large amount of free fatty acids. The liver takes up these fatty acids and, under low insulin (and high counter-regulatory hormones like glucagon), converts them into ketone bodies. These ketones accumulate in the blood, causing metabolic acidosis characteristic of ketoacidosis. This is why lack of insulin predisposes to ketoacidosis: without insulin, fat breakdown and ketogenesis surge.

The other statements don’t fit the scenario. Increased insulin production wouldn’t drive ketoacidosis, since ketone production is driven by insulin deficiency. The condition is not unrelated to insulin levels; it is directly tied to low insulin activity. And ketoacidosis is not defined by low blood sugar; it often occurs with high blood glucose, though hypoglycemia can occur in some contexts.