From the Guidelines
The native Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar and appetite, and its natural production can be enhanced through dietary and lifestyle approaches, such as consuming high-fiber foods, regular exercise, and adequate protein intake. The body naturally produces GLP-1 hormone, which is released by the L-cells in the intestines in response to food intake, and it helps to stimulate insulin secretion, reduce glucagon secretion, and promote feelings of fullness and satiety 1.
Some of the key benefits of native GLP-1 include:
- Regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucagon secretion
- Promoting feelings of fullness and satiety, which can help with weight management
- Having a potential role in improving cardiovascular outcomes, as suggested by studies on GLP-1 receptor agonists 1
It is essential to note that while pharmaceutical GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, are available, they are synthetic peptides that must be manufactured in laboratory settings, and there are no naturally occurring or organic versions of these medications available for prescription or over-the-counter use 1. However, natural approaches to enhancing native GLP-1 production can be a useful adjunct to other treatments for regulating blood sugar and appetite.
The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, published in 2024, highlights the importance of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing cardiovascular risk and improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes 1. While this study focuses on pharmaceutical GLP-1 medications, its findings suggest that native GLP-1 plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar and appetite, and that enhancing its natural production through dietary and lifestyle approaches may have similar benefits.
From the FDA Drug Label
GLP-1 is a physiological hormone that has multiple actions on glucose, mediated by the GLP-1 receptors The role of native Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is to have multiple actions on glucose, mediated by the GLP-1 receptors.
- The native GLP-1 hormone has effects on glucose that are mediated through its receptors.
- The exact actions of native GLP-1 on glucose are not fully detailed in the label, but it is mentioned that semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue, stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion, both in a glucose-dependent manner 2.
From the Research
Role of Native Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
- Native GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- The effects of native GLP-1 include:
- Augmentation of hyperglycemia-induced insulin secretion
- Suppression of glucagon secretion at hyper- or euglycemia
- Deceleration of gastric emptying, preventing large post-meal glycemic increments
- Reduction in calorie intake and body weight
- Native GLP-1 has a short half-life, which is overcome by the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) that mimic its effects 3, 4, 6, 7
- GLP-1 RAs have been shown to have beneficial effects on glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular risk markers, making them a valuable treatment option for type 2 diabetes 3, 4, 6, 7
Mechanisms of Action
- GLP-1 RAs increase insulin secretion and decrease glucagon release in a glucose-dependent manner 4, 6
- They slow down gastric emptying, preventing blood sugar spikes, and reduce appetite and food intake 4, 5, 6
- GLP-1 RAs also have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and may influence dopaminergic signal transduction in the nucleus accumbens 5
Clinical Implications
- GLP-1 RAs are recommended as a preferred add-on agent to existing metformin monotherapy, or as first-line therapy if metformin is contraindicated or poorly tolerated 3, 7
- They can be used in combination with other oral glucose-lowering agents or basal insulin, and have been shown to improve glycemic control and reduce body weight 3, 4, 6, 7
- GLP-1 RAs may also have therapeutic benefits for people with dementia, eating disorders, psychopharmacologically induced weight gain, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders 5