Affiliation:
1. Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
2. Unit of Immunonutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
Abstract
In glucose-deprived conditions, ketone bodies are produced by the liver mitochondria, through the catabolism of fatty acids, and are used peripherally, as an alternative energy source. Ketones are produced in the body under normal conditions, including during pregnancy and the neonatal period, when following a ketogenic diet (KD), fasting, or exercising. Additionally, ketone synthesis is also augmented under pathological conditions, including cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), alcoholism, and several metabolic disorders. Nonetheless, diet is the main regulator of total body ketone concentrations. The KDs are mimicking the fasting state, altering the default metabolism towards the use of ketones as the primary fuel source. Recently, KD has gained recognition as a medical nutrition therapy for a plethora of metabolic conditions, including obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). The present review aims to discuss the role of ketones, KDs, ketonemia, and ketonuria in DM, presenting all the available new evidence in a comprehensive manner.
Subject
Food Science,Nutrition and Dietetics