The ketone body formation (particularly overproduction) occurs primarily due to non-availability of carbohydrates to the tissues. This is an outcome of excessive utilisation of fatty acids to meet the energy requirements of cells. Hormones glucagon stimulates ketogenesis, whereas insulin inhibits. The increased ratio of glucagon/insulin in diabetes mellitus promotes ketone body formation. This is due to the disturbance caused in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in diabetes.