Final answer:
In conditions of low carb content in the diet, glucose can be synthesized from lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, alanine, or glutamate through a process called gluconeogenesis. Fatty acids can also be converted to glucose or ketones through lipolysis and β-oxidation. Additionally, amino acids can contribute to glucose production through processes like glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
In conditions of low glucose, such as fasting, starvation, or low carbohydrate diets, glucose can be synthesized from lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, alanine, or glutamate. This process, called gluconeogenesis, is almost the reverse of glycolysis and serves to create glucose molecules for glucose-dependent organs, such as the brain, when glucose levels fall below normal.
Lipids, specifically fatty acids, can also be converted to glucose or ketones when the carbohydrate content of the diet is insufficient to meet the body's energy needs. The process is known as lipolysis and β-oxidation of fatty acids.
Amino acids can also contribute to glucose production when carbohydrates are lacking. They can be broken down and converted to glucose through processes like glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.