GLP-1 and GIP Help Lower Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study looks at a new multiple action intestinal hormone that helps correct diabetes.

According to researchers from Nuherberg in Germany, they worked to develop this new therapeutic approach that can help treat type 2 diabetes.

This novel single hormone acts equally via receptors of the insulin-stimulating hormones GLP-! And GIP to reduce weight and help improve glucose levels.

Both the hormones GLP-1 and GIP are formed by the digestive tract and help control food intake via numerous metabolic processes. For instance, when glucose is ingested, these hormones primarily increase insulin release and cause a reduction in blood sugar. In turn, it can also affect appetite regulation and fat burning.

Background information from the study notes that the researchers combined in one molecule for the both hormones in the hopes of reducing blood sugar levels. Scientists worked with colleagues from Indiana University and the University of Cincinnati to combine the two hormones and study their effects.

Here is what they discovered, courtesy of a press release: "The newly discovered GLP-1/GIP co-agonists lead to improved blood sugar levels and to a significant weight loss and lower blood fat. Importantly, the researchers observed that the new substance also improved metabolism in humans, in addition to beneficial effects they discovered in several animal models. At the same time, there are indications that possible adverse effects, the most frequent of which are gastrointestinal complaints, are less common and less pronounced with this approach than with the individual hormones."

As their results show promise for a new treatment, more testing and research needs to be completed to be sure of the drug's future.

"Still, this approach has to go through several more years of intense research, clinical testing, and safety evaluations, before these substances may become available for patients". Dr. Brian Finan said, of the Helmholtz Diabetes Center, who is also the first author of the study. He points out that there may be unprecedented potential: "We are quite excited about this new multi-functional agent approach and believe it could become an integral part of a next generation of personalized therapies for type 2 diabetes, as the ratio of the GLP-1 and GIP signal strengths could be adjusted depending on the individual needs of patients."

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Science Translational Medicine.