Word parts
What it means
A process, mainly in the liver and also in the kidneys, that builds glucose from amino acids, lactate and glycerol. It keeps blood glucose up during fasting, long exercise and starvation, after the liver's stored glucose (glycogen) runs low. Hormones such as glucagon and cortisolKOR-tih-solA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.Full entry speed it up, and insulin slows it. This is one reason corticosteroid drugs raise blood glucose.
Related terms
cortisol
A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.
glucagon
A hormone made by the pancreas that raises blood sugar; also given as a drug for severe low blood sugar.
glycogen
The stored form of glucose, kept mainly in the liver and muscles.