GIP/GLP-1 and its role in the regulation of Glucose (Glucose Homeostasis)

Glucose intolerance, which describes health and metabolism conditions are closely linked with homeostasis. As we age we become increasingly at risk of diabetes, issues with glucose tolerance, and disruption of glucose homeostasis. For healthy individuals, upon consumption of food, part of the digestive process and regulation of glucose involves the release of hormones from our gut known as incretins. Of particular note are the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1). While the data is still unclear about how the response of these peptides are released for individuals that are obese, GIP secretion is associated with excess fat intake and GLP-1 secretion is stimulated by glucose and fatty acids as well as excess caloric intake.

A key to why these gut hormones are known as “incretins” is because of their role in the promotion of insulin secretion, otherwise known as the incretin effect. In diabetes, this process is disrupted, and we end up with a disruption of glucose homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that inducing these two incretins have resulted in weight loss as well as glycemic and lipid control. Therefore, other than exercise and coordinating our macronutrients, something to consider would be to look for foods that can boost these two to help boost us towards achieving homeostasis. Herbal compounds such as berberine, tea, curcumin, cinnamon, wheat, and soybeans have been found to act as GLP-1 agonists, potentially serving as therapeutic agents. Boosting GIP can be done through the consumption of fish oils and olive oil - in fact they are significantly better than that of the saturated fats found through meat products.