Functions of Gluconeogenesis

The significance of gluconeogenesis include:

1)  During starvation or during periods of  limited  carbohydrate intake, when  the levels of liver glycogen  are  low,  gluconeogenesis is  important in maintaining adequate blood sugar concentration since a continual supply of glucose  is necessary as a source of energy for the nervous system and the erythrocytes.

2) Even when most of  the energy requirement  ofthe organism is met by the supply  of fat, there is always a certain basal requirement  for glucose which is provided by gluconeogenesis.

3) During extended exercise, when  high  catecholamine levels have mobilized carbohydrate and  lipid reserves, the gluconeogenic pathway allows the use of lactate from glycolysis and of glycerol from fat break down.

4)  During metabolic acidosis, gluconeogenesis  in the kidney allows  the excretion of an  increased number of protons.