BIOCHEM

You are called in as a consult for a patient who suffers from
acidosis and appears emaciated (visible ribs, sunken in eyes,
little muscle and fat mass). Urine levels of both lactate and
isocitrate are normal. Levels of acetoacetate and
β-hydroxybutyrate, however, are elevated. Glucose tolerance test
appears normal. Describe biochemically why this person is producing
elevated levels of acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate. What in this
person’s life is causing their body to do this?