Question

during a fasted state, the _____ is able to produce glucose through a process called ________ and release it into circulation to prevent hypoglycemia

Answer 1

During a fasted state, the liver produces glucose through gluconeogenesis to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

During a fasted state, the liver is able to produce glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis and release it into circulation to prevent hypoglycemia. As the body enters the postabsorptive state due to lack of nutrients, blood glucose levels decrease, leading to a fall in insulin and a rise in glucagon.

This triggers the liver to break down stored glycogen into glucose, a process known as glycogenolysis. If glycogen reserves are depleted, the liver resorts to gluconeogenesis, converting non-carbohydrate substrates such as lactate, amino acids, and glycerol into glucose, ensuring a continuous supply of glucose to body tissues, especially the brain, which relies heavily on glucose for energy.