Incretin
Incretin
Incretin (/ɪnˈkrɛtɪn/) is a group of metabolic hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels. Incretins are released after eating and augment the secretion of insulin released from pancreatic beta cells of the islets of Langerhans by a blood glucose-dependent mechanism.
Etymology
The term "incretin" is derived from "INtestinal seCRETion of INsulin". It was first used in the 1930s to describe the increased insulin secretion caused by oral glucose that could not be explained by the amount of glucose alone.
Types of Incretins
There are two main types of incretins: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Both hormones work to enhance the body's release of insulin following a meal, which helps to lower blood glucose levels.
Incretin Effect
The incretin effect refers to the phenomenon where oral ingestion of glucose leads to a higher insulin response when compared to intravenous glucose administration. This effect is largely due to the hormones GLP-1 and GIP.
Related Terms
- Insulin: A hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1): A type of incretin hormone that stimulates the release of insulin.
- Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP): Another type of incretin hormone that also stimulates the release of insulin.
- Beta cells: Cells in the pancreas that produce and release insulin.
- Islets of Langerhans: Clusters of cells in the pancreas where beta cells are located.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Incretin
- Wikipedia's article - Incretin
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