Medical Glossary: K

Ketosis

A term used the describe abnormal accumulation of ketones in the body as a result of insufficient carbohydrate intake. They are caused by the metabolization of fatty acids, and are commonly seen in diabetes mellitus and pregnancy if the diet does not include sufficient proteins and carbohydrates.

Ketosis can be established by loss of potassium in the urine, ketonuria, and the odor acetone on the breath.

Kidney Stone

The popular name for urinary calculus, the creation of calculi in the urinary tract. The size of the calculi may be large enough to impede the flow of urine, or small enough to be passed with the urine.

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