Another very important aspect of the stress response is that protein stores are broken down in readiness for the
body to convert these into more essential proteins, for example, to repair damaged tissue or to manufacture
inflammatory mediators such as Creactive protein. Protein is also particularly useful in that, once glucose stores
are exhausted, the body can make more glucose from the amino acids that form protein, thereby providing a
further source of energy. This protein degradation and the lack of protein synthesis are some of the reasons why
muscle wastage is so visible in patients who are critically ill (Schefold et al, 2010).