asked 175k views
3 votes
Failure of the liver to convert fat into glucose could lead to

asked
User Shannah
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Liver failure to convert fat into glucose can lead to ketoacidosis, accumulation of fats in the liver (fatty liver), and health complications such as diabetic coma. It may also cause muscle wasting and 'acetone breath' during starvation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the consequences of the liver's inability to convert fat into glucose, a process called gluconeogenesis. If the liver fails to convert fat into glucose, the body may increase its reliance on fat metabolism, leading to the overproduction of ketone bodies and a condition known as ketoacidosis. When fatty acids and their conversions are disrupted, it can lead to a build-up of fats within the liver, commonly referred to as fatty liver.

In cases such as diabetes mellitus, where cells cannot adequately utilize glucose, the body starts breaking down fats and amino acids for energy, resulting in the production and possible accumulation of ketone bodies. These biochemical changes can lower the pH of plasma and cause health complications, including the risk of a diabetic coma if not managed properly.

Additionally, prolonged inability to perform gluconeogenesis might contribute to muscle wasting and the characteristic 'acetone breath' in individuals experiencing starvation.

answered
User Y N
by
7.8k points

No related questions found