What happens to the pH level during metabolic acidosis?

During metabolic acidosis, the pH level decreases below 7.35, indicating an increase in acidity in the body. This condition occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a significant loss of bicarbonate. The body's normal pH range is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45; when it drops below this threshold, it signifies an acidic environment. This lower pH can result from various factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, renal failure, or lactic acid buildup from intense exercise or sepsis. The decrease in pH reflects the severity of the acidosis and indicates a derangement in acid-base balance, which can lead to overlapping physiological disturbances if not corrected.