After eating, insulin drives extra glucose into the liver where it is converted and stored as glycogen for later use.

Following a meal, insulin levels surge as blood glucose peaks. The hormone tells the liver to absorb excess glucose and convert it into glycogen, a compact storage form of glucose. Between meals, when insulin levels fall, the liver breaks that glycogen back down and releases glucose into the bloodstream. This cycle keeps energy available around the clock, even during fasting or sleep.