If your results show a high anion gap, you may have acidosis, which means higher than normal levels of acid in the blood. Acidosis may be a sign of dehydration, diarrhea, or too much exercise. It may also indicate a more serious condition such as kidney disease or diabetes.

What is the most common cause of an elevated anion gap?

Metabolic acidosis is thus the most common cause of raised anion gap. The primary abnormality that characterizes metabolic acidosis, whatever its cause, is reduction in serum bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration.

What causes abnormal anion gap?

Causes of a high anion gap some lung disorders, such as severe asthma, sleep apnea, pneumothorax, myasthenia gravis, botulism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Guillain-Barre syndrome. uncontrolled diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. kidney damage or failure. prolonged diarrhea.