What does the term 'gluconeogenesis' refer to?

The term 'gluconeogenesis' specifically refers to the metabolic process in which glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate substrates. This process typically occurs in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidneys. Non-carbohydrate sources can include amino acids, glycerol, and lactate. Gluconeogenesis is particularly important during fasting or intense exercise, when blood glucose levels need to be maintained despite a lack of dietary carbohydrate intake.

Since the body cannot directly convert fats into glucose, gluconeogenesis enables it to produce glucose from other substances, ensuring that vital functions, especially those of the brain, which relies on glucose as its primary energy source, can continue uninterrupted. This biochemical pathway is crucial for maintaining blood sugar levels within a normal range when dietary glucose is scarce.