Definition of Lactic acidosis

Lactic acidosis: Acidosis (too much acid in the body) due to the buildup of lactic acid in the body. Lactic acidois occurs when cells make lactic acid (from glucose) faster than it can be metabolized. The key signs of lactic acidosis include unusually deep and rapid breathing, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Lactic acidosis is a feature of different disorders. It is an important sign of diabetes that is out of control. It is also a rare but dreaded adverse reaction from the drug metformin (Glucophage) for type 2 diabetes .