From the Guidelines
To naturally increase GLP-1 production, consuming a diet rich in fiber from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes is recommended, as these foods promote the release of GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells 1.
Key Factors Influencing GLP-1 Production
- Food intake, particularly meals containing carbohydrates and fats, stimulates GLP-1 production
- Fermentable fibers produce short-chain fatty acids during gut fermentation, directly stimulating GLP-1 secretion
- Regular physical exercise enhances GLP-1 sensitivity and production
- Maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial since obesity can reduce GLP-1 effectiveness
- Certain probiotic strains may support GLP-1 production by improving gut microbiome health
- Eating patterns, such as consuming smaller, more frequent meals, can help maintain steady GLP-1 levels
Mechanism of GLP-1 Production
GLP-1 is naturally released from intestinal cells in response to nutrients in the digestive tract, helping regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and reducing appetite 1.
Additional Considerations
DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin, saxagliptin, vildagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin, can increase the endogenous level of GLP-1 by reducing its deactivation in vivo 1. However, the most effective and natural way to increase GLP-1 production is through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
From the Research
Factors that Help the Body Produce GLP-1
- Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, such as sitagliptin, vildagliptin, and saxagliptin, can increase the levels of endogenous GLP-1 by inhibiting its degradation 2
- GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as exenatide and liraglutide, can stimulate the GLP-1 receptor, leading to an increase in GLP-1 activity 3
- The addition of a DPP-4 inhibitor, such as sitagliptin, to ongoing therapy with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, such as liraglutide, can increase intact GLP-1 concentrations 4
Mechanisms of GLP-1 Production
- The prandial incretin effect, mediated by GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), contributes to the regulation of glucose levels in the body 2
- The attenuation of the prandial incretin effect can contribute to hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 2
- Incretin-based medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, can help to restore the prandial incretin effect and improve glucose control 5, 6