GLP-1 Activity is an element of type 2 diabetes and should be included when talking with your patients in order to help them understand what is happening in their body when it responds to high blood sugar.1-3
GLP-1=glucagon-like peptide-1
Experts Richard Pratley, MD, and Ralph DeFronzo, MD, explain more about native GLP‑1 and other factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes.
Richard Pratley, MD
Ralph DeFronzo, MD
GLP-1 is released from the gut in response to food intake.3
Experimental models of diabetes have shown that the GLP-1 Activity signal, among other signals,* helps to lower blood glucose and regulate metabolic responses by facilitating the communications among organs.1-3
*Additional signals include increased plasma concentrations of amino acids such as arginine, leucine, and lysine, as well as parasympathetic stimulation via the vagus nerve.3
The response to food is no longer appropriate because the GLP-1 Activity signal strength is inadequate. This contributes to, among other things, inadequate insulin secretion from the pancreas.12-15
Subpar GLP-1 Activity may be directly or indirectly linked to metabolic defects in type 2 diabetes.4
Like native GLP-1, GLP-1 RAs directly stimulate GLP-1 receptors. Boosted GLP-1 Activity helps ensure the communications are received and acted upon.1,4,17
GLP-1 RAs=glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.
Richard Pratley, MD
Diabetes Program Lead
AdventHealth Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes
Orlando, Florida
Ralph DeFronzo, MD
Professor of Medicine
Chief, Diabetes Division
University of Texas Health Science Center
Texas Diabetes Institute
San Antonio, Texas
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