GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

A hormone produced in the gut after eating that signals fullness, slows gastric emptying, and triggers insulin release.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is an incretin hormone produced by L-cells in the small intestine in response to food intake. It binds to GLP-1 receptors throughout the body to slow gastric emptying, suppress appetite via the hypothalamus, and stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells while suppressing glucagon. GLP-1 was first identified in 1984 by Jens Juul Holst and colleagues. The natural hormone has a half-life of only ~2 minutes due to rapid breakdown by the DPP-4 enzyme, which is why pharmaceutical GLP-1 receptor agonists are engineered with chemical modifications (e.g., fatty-acid side chains in semaglutide) that extend their half-life to days or weeks. GLP-1 receptor agonists are now first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

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This glossary is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your individual health.