Glossary of terms
- Glucagon
A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels by signaling the liver to release stored glucose, especially during fasting or low blood sugar conditions. - GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
A hormone released from the intestines after eating helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin release, while slowing stomach emptying, and also reducing appetite. - GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)
A gut hormone that stimulates insulin secretion in response to food intake, especially carbohydrates, helping regulate blood glucose levels. - Leptin
A hormone produced by fat cells that signals the brain (especially the hypothalamus) to reduce hunger and regulate long-term energy balance. - PYY (Peptide YY)
A hormone released from the digestive tract after meals that helps reduce appetite and slow down digestion, promoting a feeling of fullness. - Amylin
A hormone co-secreted with insulin by the pancreas that helps control blood sugar by slowing gastric emptying and suppressing glucagon release after meals.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Incretin hormones (GLP-1, GIP) and blood glucose regulation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Endocrine Society. (n.d.). Gut hormones and metabolism. https://www.endocrine.org
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Peptide YY and incretin hormone research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govGuyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. (2021). Guyton and Hall textbook of medical physiology (14th ed.). Elsevier.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Leptin and energy balance. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu
- American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Amylin and glucose regulation. https://www.diabetes.org
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Obesity and hormone regulation. https://www.who.int