Biochemistry

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)

GLP-1 is a naturally occurring gut hormone involved in glucose regulation, gastric emptying, and appetite signaling.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone. Intestinal L-cells release it in response to nutrients after a meal. It is an incretin hormone involved in the body’s response to food and blood glucose. GLP-1 itself is not a medication.

What GLP-1 does in the body

GLP-1 enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and can suppress glucagon secretion when glucose is not low. It can also slow gastric emptying and participate in appetite signaling. These effects involve several organs and neural pathways, and their relative importance varies by context.

GLP-1 and its receptor

GLP-1 activates the GLP-1 receptor. A GLP-1 receptor agonist is a separate molecule that activates the same receptor, and some medications act on additional receptors. Use “GLP-1” for the natural hormone and “GLP-1 receptor agonist” for the medication class.

This page explains the hormone, not the expected effects, risks, suitability, or instructions for a specific medication. Those details depend on the exact product and the person using it.

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Common questions

What does GLP-1 stand for?

Glucagon-like peptide-1. It's a naturally occurring hormone, not itself a medication.

Where is GLP-1 released from?

GLP-1 is released mainly from L-cells in the lining of the intestine, in response to nutrients arriving in the gut after a meal.

Is GLP-1 the same thing as a GLP-1 medication?

No. GLP-1 is the body's own hormone. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are separate molecules that activate the same receptor.

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Editorial details

Written by
Amidra editorial team
Last updated

Sources

  1. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)Molecular Metabolism via PubMed Central · Accessed August 27, 2026
  2. Glucose kinetics: an update and novel insights into its regulation by glucagon and GLP-1Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care via PubMed · Accessed August 27, 2026
  3. Effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 on counterregulatory hormone responses during stepped hypoglycemic clamp experimentsThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism via PubMed · Accessed August 27, 2026

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Related terms

Receptor agonistA receptor agonist is a molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, triggering the receptor’s normal response.PeptideA peptide is a short chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds — the same link that builds proteins, just fewer of them.SecretagogueA secretagogue is a substance that triggers a cell or gland to release, or secrete, another substance.
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