Where is GLP-1 produced?

The correct answer is that GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is produced in the distal small bowel and colon. GLP-1 is a hormone that is secreted by L-cell endocrine cells, which are primarily located in the ileum of the small intestine and further down in the colon.

During the digestion process, when nutrients, especially carbohydrates and fats, enter the intestine, these L-cells respond by releasing GLP-1. The hormone plays a critical role in glucose metabolism, promoting insulin secretion from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner, thereby helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, GLP-1 inhibits glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying, contributing to increased satiety and decreased appetite.

Understanding the anatomical sites of hormone production is essential in obesity medicine, as it informs clinical practices regarding the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. The role of GLP-1 has led to the development of medications that mimic its action, primarily targeting the pathways involved in appetite regulation and glucose homeostasis.