Incretins

Incretins are a group of metabolic hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels. Incretins are released after eating and augment the secretion of insulin released from pancreatic beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans by a blood glucose-dependent mechanism. They also slow the rate of absorption of nutrients into the blood stream by reducing gastric emptying and may directly reduce food intake. Together, these effects lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels, avoiding the damaging effects of hyperglycemia.

Types of Incretins

There are two main types of incretins: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Both hormones work to enhance the body's secretion of insulin, slow stomach emptying, inhibit the release of glucagon, and curb appetite.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)

GLP-1 is a hormone that is secreted from cells in the intestine and brain in response to food intake. It enhances insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite and food intake.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)

GIP is a hormone that is secreted from K cells in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum) in response to nutrient ingestion. It enhances insulin secretion, but unlike GLP-1, it does not appear to inhibit glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, or reduce appetite and food intake.

Role in Diabetes Treatment

Incretins have been the focus of interest for the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Incretin-based therapies, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, have been developed. These therapies take advantage of the insulin-enhancing effects of incretins to improve glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

See Also

• Insulin
• Glucagon
• Type 2 diabetes
• Islets of Langerhans
• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
• Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)

Incretins Resources
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