Catecholamines (noradrenaline and adrenaline) are catabolic hormones secreted during stress. They initiate many metabolic processes including increased production of both ketoacids and lactic acid. Support for a direct participation of these hormones in the development and/or maintenance of ketoacidosis includes: (1) the high incidence of stress (approx. 70%) as a precipitating factor for ketoacidosis; (2) the elevated plasma levels of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) in patients with ketoacidosis; (3) the rise in plasma concentrations of ketone bodies during catecholamine infusion; and (4) the reduction in the incidence of ketoacidosis with beta-adrenergic pharmacological blockade. Support for a direct participation of catecholamines in the development and/or maintenance of lactic acidosis includes: (1) the common association of stress and lactic acidosis; (2) the rise in plasma lactate concentration during adrenaline (epinephrine) infusion; (3) the precipitation of lactic acidosis by adrenaline intoxication and phaeochromocytoma; and (4) the vasoconstrictor effects of catecholamines leading to tissue anoxia and lactic acid production. Thus, in susceptible patients, catecholamines may be principal determinants of whether ketoacidosis and/or lactic acidosis develops.