Final answer:
In untreated type I diabetes, the hepatocyte's citric acid cycle becomes overwhelmed with ketone bodies, which are produced by the liver as a result of the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. This leads to ketoacidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In untreated type I diabetes, the hepatocyte's citric acid cycle becomes overwhelmed with ketone bodies. When cells are unable to utilize glucose for energy production, they start utilizing amino acids and fats for energy. The liver produces ketone bodies as a result of the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids, and when produced in excess, these ketone bodies accumulate in the blood and cause ketoacidosis.