Endogenous alcohol (EA) is ethanol that is produced naturally in all living humans. The resulting blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is generally low. But auto-brewery syndrome is linked with very high BACs. It occurs after eating meals rich in carbs.

Everyone has EA in their bloodstream. But auto-brewery syndrome is rare. Its origin is in the small bowel. There, very high levels of yeast convert carbs into ethanol. A type of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the major cause of this condition.
Auto-brewery syndrome is different from the usual fermentation in the large bowel. Normal yeast levels in the large bowel produce ordinary levels EA.
The Study
This study investigated the effect of diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and presence of both on BAC after eating a meal rich in carbs.
Studied were controls, those with diabetes, those with liver cirrhosis, and those with both diseases. After they consumed large quantities of carbs, their BAC was measured. The BAC of the controls was the lowest. The BAC of those with either diabetes or liver cirrhosis was much higher. The highest BAC was among those with both diseases.
Note: Liver problems that prevent the body from breaking down alcohol normally can also cause high BAC without drinking.
See Also
How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your Body?
How Long Can Urine Alcohol Tests Detect Drinking?
Resources
Adams, C. Designated drunk: Can you get intoxicated without actually drinking alcohol? The Straight Dope.
Doucleff, M. Auto-Brewery Syndrome. NPR.
Geertinger, P., et al. Endogenous alcohol production by intestinal fermentation. Zeits fur Rech, 89(3), 167-172.
Kaji, H., et al. Intragastrointestinal alcohol fermentation syndrome. J Foren Sci Soc, 24(5), 461-471.
LaMotte, S. Woman claims her body brews alcohol, has DUI charge dismissed. CNN Health.
Logan, B. and Jones, A. Endogenous ethanol ‘auto-brewery syndrome’ as a drunk-driving defence challenge. Med Sci Law, 40(3), 206-215.
Thompson, H. The Man who gets drunk on chips. BBC.
Source
Hafez, E., et al. Auto-brewery syndrome: ethanol pseudo-toxicity in diabetic and hepatic patients. Hum. Exp. Toxicol.