In diabetic ketoacidosis, what is the body's primary source of energy due to the lack of insulin?

In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the body experiences a significant deficiency of insulin, which is crucial for facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy. When insulin levels are low, cells cannot utilize glucose effectively, leading to an energy crisis. In response to this situation, the body shifts its metabolism to use fat as the primary source of energy.

The breakdown of fat for energy occurs through a process called lipolysis, resulting in the production of free fatty acids. These free fatty acids are subsequently converted into ketone bodies in the liver. Ketone bodies serve as an alternative energy source for cells, especially in the brain and muscle tissues, which can utilize these compounds during times of low glucose availability.

This metabolic shift is a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis, where ketones accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to metabolic acidosis. While carbohydrates and proteins can also provide energy, they are not the primary sources during DKA. Carbohydrates are limited due to inadequate insulin, and protein may be utilized as a less efficient energy source through gluconeogenesis, but this process is not favored as the body prioritizes fat metabolism in this condition.