Which process occurs when fat is burned due to insufficient insulin in Type I diabetes?

In Type I diabetes, when there is an insufficient amount of insulin, the body cannot effectively utilize glucose for energy. As a result, the body begins to break down fat stores as an alternative energy source. This process leads to the production of ketones. When the production of ketones exceeds the rate at which they can be utilized or eliminated from the body, it can cause a state known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Ketoacidosis is characterized by the accumulation of ketones in the blood, resulting in a lower pH and leading to acidosis. This condition can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly, as it can result in various complications, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even coma. The presence of ketones is a hallmark of this process occurring when insulin is deficient, illustrating how the body shifts its metabolic processes in the absence of adequate insulin.

Thus, the correct answer is that ketoacidosis occurs due to the burning of fat in the absence of sufficient insulin in Type I diabetes.