GLPwatch
Incretin effect: GLP-1, GIP, DPP4.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract · 2011
Last updated 2026-05-28The incretin effect describes how eating food causes a stronger insulin response than receiving the same amount of sugar directly into the bloodstream. In people with type 2 diabetes, this effect is reduced, but treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists (injected) and DPP-4 inhibitors (taken by mouth) have been developed to help manage blood sugar. These therapies are considered promising for treating type 2 diabetes, and some studies suggest they may also benefit heart function.
AI summary of the abstract below.
| Journal | Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2011 |
|---|---|
| Citations | 77 |
| Relative citation ratio | 2.39 |
| NIH percentile | 79 |
| Molecules | — |
| Conditions studied | Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction |
Abstract
The term incretin effect was used to describe the fact that oral glucose load produces a greater insulin response than that of an isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion. This difference has been attributed to gastrointestinal peptides GLP-1 and GIP. Since incretin effect is reduced in subjects with type 2 diabetes, despite GLP-1 activity preservation, two forms of incretin-based treatment have emerged: GLP-1R agonists, administered subcutaneously and DPP-4 inhibitors, administered orally. There is a great interest whether incretin-based treatment will be associated with sustained long-term control and improvement in β-cell function. The observation that GLP-1R agonists improve myocardial function and survival of cardiomyocytes highlights the need for further studies. Incretin-based therapies offer a new option and show great promise for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Verbatim abstract via PubMed 21864749 ↗