A metabolic pathway that results in the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate carbon substrates, such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids. This process occurs mainly in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the cortex of the kidneys. It is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels during periods of fasting, low-carbohydrate intake, or intense exercise, ensuring that glucose-dependent tissues like the brain and red blood cells function correctly.
Gluconeogenesis is the body's internal mechanism for glucose production, rendering the dietary intake of carbohydrates non-essential for human survival. In a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic state, the body shifts its reliance to this pathway and the oxidation of fatty acids and ketones, which promotes the utilization of stored body fat for fuel.
The definitive guide by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN