What is an incretin?

Incretins are gut hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) released after eating that signal the pancreas to release insulin; GLP-1 medications are sometimes called "incretin mimetics."

Incretins are gut hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) released after eating that signal the pancreas to release insulin; GLP-1 medications are sometimes called "incretin mimetics." The incretin effect is why eating sugar triggers a bigger insulin response than the same dose of sugar given by IV — the gut is signaling the pancreas in real time. All current GLP-1 receptor agonists are technically incretin mimetics: they copy the natural incretin signal to extend the post-meal insulin and satiety response.

Related pages

• Compare GLP-1 medications
• GLP-1 glossary

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