hormone
GLP-1
GLP-1 is an intestinal peptide hormone released after meals that helps coordinate insulin, glucagon and gastrointestinal responses.
Educational draft · Human scientific and editorial review pending. About review status
L cells in the distal intestine release GLP-1; native GLP-1 is rapidly broken down, so medicines that activate its receptor are separate from the endogenous hormone.
How it works
An incretin signal
GLP-1 release responds to nutrients and neural input. It helps stimulate insulin release when blood glucose is elevated, can suppress glucagon, and slows the movement of food out of the stomach.
Roles and processes
GLP-1 signals to Appetite regulation
GLP-1 contributes gut-derived signals to appetite and satiety circuits.
Evidence: Established · Source checked 2026-09-05 · Sources: NIH National Library of Medicine: Physiology, Appetite And Weight Regulation
Related topics
GLP-1 stimulates glucose-dependent release of Insulin
GLP-1 released after nutrient exposure can stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release.
Evidence: Established · Source checked 2026-09-05 · Sources: NIH National Library of Medicine: Physiology, Appetite And Weight Regulation
Worth knowing
Glucose-dependent is a key qualifier. GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion when glucose is present; this glucose dependence is part of its physiology.
DPP-4 breaks down native GLP-1. Native GLP-1 has a short half-life because dipeptidyl peptidase-4 rapidly degrades it.
A closer look
Native hormone and medicine differ
Endogenous GLP-1 has a short half-life because of rapid breakdown. Receptor-agonist medicines have different exposure, evidence and safety questions.
References
Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.