A specific chemical change at position 8 in the GLP-1 hormone increases its ability to activate adenylate cyclase and trigger insulin release in laboratory cell systems more than a similar change at...

In mice with obesity and diabetes, a modified version of the hormone GLP-1 called (Abu8)GLP-1 lowers blood sugar and increases insulin production more than two other related hormones, suggesting this chemical change improves its ability to act against diabetes in living organisms.

In people with obesity and prediabetes, a drug called sitagliptin increases certain gut hormones but does not improve how the body responds to insulin or lower fasting blood sugar. This suggests that simply boosting these natural hormones is not enough—direct pharmacological activation of their receptors is needed for metabolic improvement.

In people who have antibodies indicating early risk for type 1 diabetes but still have normal blood sugar, a decrease in the hormone GIP—compared to GLP-1—appears to be the main reason for reduced insulin response after eating, which may make GIP a better early indicator of pancreatic beta-cell stress.