Glucagon-like peptide-1 promotes satiety and reduces food intake in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

TLDR

GLP‑1 is an incretin hormone that recent animal and human studies suggest regulates appetite and energy intake. The study aimed to determine whether intravenous GLP‑1 alters appetite sensations and reduces energy intake in patients with type 2 diabetes. In a double‑blind, placebo‑controlled crossover trial, 12 patients received GLP‑1 (1.5 pmol kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) or saline while appetite was measured with visual analog scales, food/fluid intake was recorded, and blood samples were taken. GLP‑1 infusion increased satiety and fullness, lowered hunger, and reduced energy intake by 27 % compared with placebo, confirming its appetite‑suppressing effect in type 2 diabetes.

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1-(7—36) amide (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone of the enteroinsular axis. Recent experimental evidence in animals and healthy subjects suggests that GLP-1 has a role in controlling appetite and energy intake in humans. We have therefore examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 12 patients with diabetes type 2 the effect of intravenously infused GLP-1 on appetite sensations and energy intake. On 2 days, either saline or GLP-1 (1.5 pmol ⋅ kg −1 ⋅ min −1 ) was given throughout the experiment. Visual analog scales were used to assess appetite sensations; furthermore, food and fluid intake of a test meal were recorded, and blood was sampled for analysis of plasma glucose and hormone levels. GLP-1 infusion enhanced satiety and fullness compared with placebo ( P = 0.028 for fullness and P = 0.026 for hunger feelings). Energy intake was reduced by 27% by GLP-1 ( P = 0.034) compared with saline. The results demonstrate a marked effect of GLP-1 on appetite by showing enhanced satiety and reduced energy intake in patients with diabetes type 2.