Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was discovered in 1982 as a by-product of research on diabetic patients who had undergone gastric bypass surgery.
At the time, researchers were studying the effects of gastric bypass surgery on blood sugar control. They noticed that after surgery, patients had lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin secretion. They also noticed that patients had higher levels of a hormone called proglucagon in their intestines.
Proglucagon is a precursor hormone that is converted into a number of different hormones, including GLP-1. The researchers hypothesized that GLP-1 may be playing a role in the improved blood sugar control seen after gastric bypass surgery.
To test their hypothesis, the researchers injected GLP-1 into diabetic patients. They found that GLP-1 lowered blood sugar levels and improved insulin secretion. They also found that GLP-1 slowed down the emptying of the stomach, which helped patients feel full longer and eat less.
These findings led to the development of GLP-1 medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 medications are now considered to be first-line therapy for many people with type 2 diabetes. They are also effective for weight loss and improving heart health.
The discovery of GLP-1 is a significant example of how research on one medical condition can lead to new treatments for other conditions. Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgery, and it is not always a suitable option for people with type 2 diabetes. However, the discovery of GLP-1 has made it possible to develop medications that provide the same benefits of gastric bypass surgery without the need for surgery.
In addition to the discovery of GLP-1 medications, research on GLP-1 has also led to a better understanding of how the body regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. This knowledge is helping researchers to develop new and even more effective treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity.