But the liver has only limited storage space for glycogen. Once full, excess carbohydrates will be turned into fat—a process called de novo lipogenesis. (De novo means “from new.” Lipogenesis means “making new fat.” De novo lipogenesis means “to make new fat.”) Several hours after a meal, blood sugars and insulin levels start to drop. Less glucose is available for use by the muscles, the brain and other organs. The liver starts to break down glycogen into glucose to release it into general circulation for energy—the glycogen-storage process in reverse. This happens most nights, assuming you
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