Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice
Published on: November 16, 2011
Glucagon-like peptide-1, glucose homeostasis and diabetes
Jens J Holst1, Carolyn F Deacon, Tina Vilsbøll
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark. holst@mfi.ku.dk
Abstract:
Incretins, enhancers of insulin secretion, are essential for glucose tolerance, and a reduction in their function might contribute to poor beta-cell function in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. However, at supraphysiological doses, the incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) protects pancreatic beta cells, and inhibits glucagon secretion, gastric emptying and food intake, leading to weight loss. GLP-1 mimetics, which are stable-peptide-based activators of the GLP-1 receptor, and incretin enhancers, which inhibit the incretin-degrading enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4, have emerged as therapies for type-2 diabetes and have recently reached the market. The pathophysiological basis the clinical use of these therapeutics is reviewed here.
Related Concept Videos
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

