The primary site of gluconeogenesis in the human body is the liver. Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic process by which glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate sources such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids. This process is crucial during fasting, prolonged exercise, or starvation to maintain adequate blood glucose levels.

Although the kidney also contributes to gluconeogenesis, especially during prolonged fasting, its role is significantly less than that of the liver.

The skeletal muscle lacks the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase, which is essential for the final step of gluconeogenesis, thus it cannot release free glucose into the bloodstream.

Similarly, adipose tissue primarily functions in fat storage and does not participate in gluconeogenesis.


In summary, the liver is the main organ responsible for producing glucose through gluconeogenesis, ensuring glucose homeostasis during periods when dietary glucose is not available.

Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 13th Edition, Chapter 68/ Page 850