AEMCA Practice Exam

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

1. A condition where excess insulin is produced.

2. A state where the body shifts to fatty acids for energy.

3. A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels only.

4. A rare disease associated with insulin overdose.

The correct answer is: A state where the body shifts to fatty acids for energy.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that occurs primarily in individuals with diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes. When there is insufficient insulin in the body, the body cannot utilize glucose for energy effectively. As a result, it begins to break down fatty acids for energy instead. This process leads to the production of ketones, which are acids that accumulate in the blood, causing a state of acidosis. The production of ketones is a hallmark of DKA, making the state where the body shifts to fatty acids for energy the most accurate description of the condition. In addition to this metabolic state, DKA is also characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, while other options may mention aspects of DKA (such as high glucose levels), they do not capture the crucial mechanism involving the shift to fatty acid metabolism that defines the condition.