Question

Why level of ketone body increase in diabetes type 1

Answer 1

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production is destroyed. As a result, blood glucose is not taken up by the cells and so the cells cannot utilize glucose for the production of energy. In order to continue cell functioning, ATP is now to be supplied by burning fat via beta-oxidation. Ketones accumulate because of insufficient insulin in T1D. Free fatty acids are released from the adipose tissue via lipolysis and are subsequently converted to ketone bodies like acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate. These ketone bodies now can serve as a source of energy. Thus, ketone bodies are increased in T1D and are considered to be diagnostic markers for the disease.

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