The main difference between lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis is that lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream, whereas ketoacidosis is the buildup of ketones in the bloodstream.
Lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis are two processes that build up biochemical substances in the bloodstream.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Lactic Acidosis
– Definition, Process, Importance
2. What is Ketoacidosis
– Definition, Process, Importance
3. Similarities Between Lactic Acidosis and Ketoacidosis
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lactic Acidosis and Ketoacidosis
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Lactic Acidosis, Ketoacidosis
What is Lactic Acidosis
Lactic acidosis is the accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream caused by increased production and decreased clearance. The production of lactic acid increases in impaired tissue oxygenation resulting in decreased oxygen delivery or defect in mitochondrial oxygen utilization. During the production of lactic acid in the body, glucose 6-phosphate is converted into pyruvate anaerobically. Pyruvate and lactic acid exist in an equilibrium of 25 lactic acid: 1 pyruvate. Therefore, lactic acid is the main endpoint of anaerobic respiration in tissues. Anaerobic respiration is the breakdown of glucose in the absence of oxygen. However, lactic acid accumulates in the cells during the anaerobic respiration of tissues.
Figure 1: Lactic Acid Formation
Furthermore, lactic acid escapes from the cells to deliver into the liver. In the liver, lactic acid undergoes oxidation, forming pyruvate, and pyruvate is converted into glucose. The process is known as the Cori cycle. Also, all tissues can use lactic acid as an energy source as it can be converted into pyruvate to enter into the Krebs cycle. However, pyruvate does not undergo oxidization readily in decreased tissue oxygenation. Therefore, it causes hyperlacticaemia and metabolic acidosis, commonly known as lactic acidosis.
What is Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is the build-up of acids in the bloodstream. The occurrence of high blood sugar levels for a long period of time is the reason behind ketoacidosis. It can occur in diabetic patients, and therefore, it is called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Also, it can be life-threatening. The symptoms of DKA include dry mouth, dry skin, feeling very thirsty, frequent peeing, nausea or vomiting, weakness, fatigue, confusion, headache, muscle aches, belly pain, and shortness of breath. Additionally, the main cause of DKA is the low concentration of insulin in the body. Therefore, the body is unable to use glucose as an energy source. Instead, it uses fat in the body to produce energy.
Figure 2: Ketogenesis
Moreover, with the usage of fat in the body in the metabolism, ketones are formed. They are acidic. Patients with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk of producing ketoacidosis when they miss a meal. DKA with type 2 diabetes is rare. However, the risk factors of DKA include type 1 diabetes, missing an insulin dose, stomach illness, infections, heart disease, stroke, blood clots in the lungs, pregnancy, surgery, etc.
Similarities Between Lactic Acidosis and Ketoacidosis
- Lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis are two processes that accumulate biochemical substances in the bloodstream.
- Both processes can be life-threatening.
Difference Between Lactic Acidosis and Ketoacidosis
Definition
Lactic acidosis refers to the lactic acid build-up in the bloodstream. In contrast, ketoacidosis refers to high levels of ketones that cause the blood to become more acidic.
Types
Lactic acidosis is the accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream, while ketoacidosis is the accumulation of ketones in the bloodstream.
Process
Lactic acidosis occurs through anaerobic respiration of glucose in tissues, while ketoacidosis occurs due to the use of fat as the energy source.
Causes
Lactic acidosis occurs due to impaired tissue oxygenation, while ketoacidosis occurs due to impaired insulin levels.
Symptoms
The symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, fast and deep breathing, muscle cramps, and body aches while the symptoms of ketoacidosis include dry mouth, dry skin, feeling very thirsty, frequent peeing, nausea or vomiting, weakness, fatigue, confusion, headache, muscle aches, belly pain, and shortness of breath.
Conclusion
In brief, lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis are two conditions that accumulate biochemical substances in the body. Lactic acidosis is the accumulation of lactic acid in the blood. It occurs due to anaerobic respiration, which produces lactic acid from glucose. Therefore, the main cause of lactic acidosis is impaired tissue oxygenation. In comparison, ketoacidosis is the accumulation of ketones in the blood. It occurs due to impaired insulin. Hence, the body uses fat as an energy source and produces ketones. Therefore, the main difference between lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis is their process.
References:
- Foucher CD, Tubben RE. Lactic Acidosis. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
- Ghimire P, Dhamoon AS. Ketoacidosis. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
Image Courtesy:
- “Lactic acid fermentation” By Sjantoni – Own work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Ketogenesis” By Sav vas – Own Work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
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