Protein's Role in Ketogenic Glucose Synthesis

This podcast explains how the body maintains stable blood glucose levels while following a carbohydrate-free ketogenic diet. Since the metabolism of fatty acids produces acetyl-CoA, which cannot be converted into glucose, the body must rely on other mechanisms to fuel the brain and red blood cells. Hormones like glucagon and epinephrine trigger the liver to activate gluconeogenesis, a process that synthesizes new sugar. Because fats are ineligible for this conversion, the liver utilizes the carbon skeletons of amino acids derived from dietary protein to create glucose. Ultimately, the high protein content of a keto diet is essential for replenishing glycogen stores and ensuring the body has a consistent energy supply.