Wait… I Didn’t Eat Sugar, So Why Is My Blood Sugar High?

You skipped the cookies. You passed on the soda. You even gave up your oat milk latte.
And yet… your blood sugar is still high.

What gives?

Let me introduce you to the body’s backup plan: gluconeogenesis aka, make-your-own-sugar hour.

What Is Gluconeogenesis? (The Simple Explanation)

Gluconeogenesis literally means:

Gluco = sugar
Neo = new
Genesis = creation
So together: The creation of new sugar.

It’s your body’s survival mechanism that kicks in when you’re not eating carbs, especially during fasting, low-carb diets, or long stretches between meals.

Your liver (and sometimes your kidneys) starts turning other things, like amino acids from protein or glycerol from fat, into glucose.
It’s like a DIY sugar-making kit your body pulls out when it thinks the pantry is empty.


Why Does This Happen?

Because your brain is high-maintenance. 🧠
It runs almost entirely on glucose, and when you don’t eat enough carbs, the brain starts texting the liver:
“Hey, we need sugar. Do something.”

So the liver, being the multitasker it is, steps in and starts making sugar out of muscle and fat. Thanks, liver.


Dr. Jason Fung’s Take: It’s Not Just About What You Eat

Dr. Jason Fung, author of *The Obesity Code* and *The Diabetes Code, explains that high blood sugar isn’t only caused by what you eat, but also by what your body makes.

Here’s what he emphasizes:

> “People with type 2 diabetes often experience high fasting blood sugars, even when they haven’t eaten. That’s gluconeogenesis. It’s the liver making sugar, not the food you ate.”

This is especially common in insulin-resistant individuals, where insulin no longer tells the liver to *stop* making sugar.

Can Gluconeogenesis Be a Problem?

In small doses? No, it’s a normal survival mechanism.

But when you’re insulin resistant or have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t respond well to insulin. That means the liver keeps pumping out glucose like there’s no off switch.

This leads to:

* High fasting blood glucose
* Elevated A1C
* Frustration (because you’re “eating clean” and still struggling)

So, How Can You Reduce Gluconeogenesis?

It’s not about eliminating it, it’s about regulating it.

Here’s how:

1. Fix Your Insulin Resistance

This is the root cause. The more insulin sensitive you are, the better your body can tell the liver, “Hey, chill with the sugar.”

🔹 Try low-insulin-spiking foods
🔹 Incorporate intermittent fasting
🔹 Reduce refined carbs and processed foods

2. Don’t Under-Eat Protein (But Don’t Overdo It)

Yes, your body uses protein to make sugar during gluconeogenesis.
But that doesn’t mean you should skimp on it, just avoid overloading.

🔹 Focus on balanced meals with protein + healthy fats + fiber

3. Sleep & Stress Matter

Stress raises cortisol → cortisol raises blood sugar → triggers gluconeogenesis.

So no, you’re not crazy for waking up with high blood sugar after a stressful night.



Final Thoughts: You’re Not Failing, Your Body’s Just Being Resourceful

Gluconeogenesis isn’t your enemy. It’s a built-in backup system.
But if you’re dealing with insulin resistance, PCOS, or type 2 diabetes, this backup system can get… a little out of control.

That’s why managing blood sugar isn’t just about avoiding cookies.
It’s about understanding what your body is doing behind the scenes.


Ready to Learn More?

If you’re tired of guessing and want actual tools to reverse insulin resistance, grab the free [Hormone Harmony Guide] or explore my blog for more blood sugar education.

Follow me on Instagram [@glycemicinsights] for daily blood sugar breakdowns, food swaps, and spicy metabolic truths.