Metabolic acidosis often cannot be prevented. Medications should be taken as prescribed. Those with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels regularly. Antifreeze and other harmful chemicals should be kept out of the reach of young children. Those with diarrhea should drink a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Most people recover fully once the cause of the metabolic acidosis is treated, and have no long-term effects. Severe acidosis may result in coma or death if not corrected.
Metabolic acidosis is not contagious and does not put other people at risk.