The metabolic process in which the body creates new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids and fats, especially when carbohydrates are scarce.
From Greek 'glukos' (sweet) + 'neo' (new) + 'genesis' (origin/creation). Coined in the early 20th century as biochemists discovered cells could synthesize glucose without consuming carbohydrates. The term reflects the discovery that the body makes its own sugar from raw materials.
Your liver is basically a sugar factory working the night shift! During sleep or fasting, gluconeogenesis keeps your brain fed with glucose even when you haven't eaten anything with carbs, which is why skipping breakfast doesn't immediately make you pass out.
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