Medical term:
ketones
ketones
A class of acidic organic compounds that includes acetone and aceto-acetic acid. Ketones have a carbonyl group, CO, linked to two other carbon atoms. They are formed in states of carbohydrate deficiency such as starvation or in conditions, such as DIABETES, in which carbohydrates cannot be normally utilized. Acetone, aceto-acetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid are called ketone bodies. Ketones are volatile substances and confer on the breath the sickly, fruity odour of nail-varnish remover. See also KETOSIS.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
Ketones
Poisonous acidic chemicals produced by the body when fat instead of glucose is burned for energy. Breakdown of fat occurs when not enough insulin is present to channel glucose into body cells.
Mentioned in: Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Urinalysis
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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