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Gluconeogenesis

Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway for the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate such as Protein, glycerol, amino acid, lactate, and a few others.

This process occurs during periods of starvation, fasting, low-carb diets, and/or intense exercise. It is one of two forms or systems of maintaining proper blood levels of glucose.

The other form breaks down glycogen in the pathway called glycogenolysis.

Once glucose is formed or when it is used then it goes through its own transformation. Glucose is broken down into pyruvate and is referred to as Glycolysis.

Gluconeogenesis can be a pathway in the following animals and plants:

1.)  Animals
2.)  Plants
3.)  Fungi
4.)  Other microorganisms

The Process

It typically occurs in the Liver of animals and also occurs, to a lesser extent, in the Kidneys.

Gluconeogenesis occurs during periods of exercise, starvation, and/or fasting. Lactic Acid is a strong example during exercise where the production of glucose is necessary.

During the overall process – several reactions occur that begins on a cellular level. Typically this process begins in the mitochondria or cytoplasm

Medication for Diabetes Mellitus – Metformin – targets the process of gluconeogenesis to stop glucose formation.