How to Convert Some of the Dietary Protein Into Glucose

Conversion of protein or other noncarbohydrate substrates—whether they be of ingested or endogenous origin—into glucose is known as gluconeogenesis. The process occurs primarily in the liver but also in the kidney to a much smaller degree. De novo synthesis of glucose is necessary in order to maintain adequate blood glucose levels for tissues which depend on it exclusively, i.e., red blood cells and the brain (although ketones can partially provide for its energy needs). Gluconeogenesis occurs continuously at various rates, depending on the conditions.

Instructions

• 1

  Stay alive. As long as a body is functioning, gluconeogenesis is happening and, by inference, some of the dietary protein is being converted into glucose. Along with glycogen formation and glycogenolysis (breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose), gluconeogenesis is an integral mechanism utilized by the body to maintain normal blood glucose concentrations.

• 2

  Experience stress. Amino acid catabolism and production of new glucose increase dramatically in any form of physiological stress. Hormonal regulators such as glucocorticoids, catecholamines and cytokines—all of which stimulate amino acid catabolism—are released in greater quantities under stressful conditions, including physical and psychological strain, infections and trauma.

• 3

  Eat food. In the normal course of amino acid processing, the liver converts some of the dietary amino acids into glucose. Additionally, the intestinal cells metabolize roughly 20 percent of ingested protein which, after a long series of steps, makes it to the liver potentially to undergo gluconeogenesis.

• 4

  Limit carbohydrate intake. Liver glycogen is depleted within 18 hours if no carbohydrates are consumed, at which point the liver kicks into high gear to synthesize glucose from various precursors—which would include amino acids derived from protein catabolism. Any time there is insufficient glucose to meet energy demands, gluconeogenesis occurs.

• 5

  Create a negative energy balance. The body responds to low blood glucose levels, as would be the case with insufficient caloric intake, by releasing the hormones glucagon and epinephrine (adrenaline), which promote hepatic (liver) conversion of nonglucose substrates (e.g., amino acids) into glucose. This would, of course, also result in increased breakdown of endogenous protein (e.g., muscle tissue).

• 6

  Consume protein in excess of your needs. Amino acids which are not utilized by the body for growth or maintenance are simply catabolized and burned as fuel, stored as glycogen or deposited as adipose tissue, depending on the overall caloric balance. Excess protein, however, places unnecessary stress on the liver and kidneys.