What do GLP-1 drugs do?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a group of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 RAs are very effective at lowering blood sugar levels. As an added bonus, some have also shown benefits for heart health and kidney function.

What does GLP-1 target?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, causes weight loss, and is an important pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

What effect does GLP-1 have on blood glucose concentrations?

More specifically, GLP-1 reduces levels of blood glucose only when concentrations of blood glucose are elevated above fasting levels, as is the case after a meal. As the postprandial blood glucose levels fall in response to GLP-1, the blood glucose-lowering action of GLP-1 is self-terminating.

How do incretins work?

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.

Where are GLP-1 receptors?

The human GLP-1 receptor is located on chromosome 6 (6p21). The GLP-1 receptor sequence contains a large hydrophilic extracellular domain and seven hydrophobic transmembrane domains. The GLP-1 receptor protein has three potential N-linked glycosylation sites, and glycosylation may modulate receptor function [4].

Does GLP-1 increase insulin resistance?

GLP-1 Reduces ER Stress and Improves Insulin Resistance in Adipose Tissue of ob/ob Mice. GLP-1R agonists have previously been shown to either prevent or ameliorate experimental obesity and preserve insulin sensitivity in multiple preclinical models.

How does GLP-1 affect insulin?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a kind of incretin hormone, is secreted by intestinal L cells in response to nutrients. Then, GLP-1 stimulates the release of insulin from pancreatic β-cells (16). It has been reported that the secretion of GLP-1 decreases in patients with T2D (17).

Does DPP 4 inhibitors increase insulin sensitivity?

Oral dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors increase pancreatic β-cells and insulin sensitivity in the liver, muscle and adipose tissues [3].