Endocrine Abstracts

The physiological effects of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) are of great interest because of their potential clinical relevance. GLP-1 is secreted by the L-cells of the distal ileum and colon in response to nutrient ingestion. It acts as an incretin hormone and augments glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the pancreas. The use of GLP-1 agonists for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) is well established. However, GLP-1 has several other physiological functions. It acts as satiety hormone by its direct effects on appetite inhibition through GLP-1 receptors expressed within the hypothalamus. Peripherally, GLP-1 inhibits gastric emptying, acid secretion and motility. This session will discuss the use of the GLP-1 agonists as weight loss agents in patients with obesity without T2DM. It will highlight potential metabolic benefits including remission of pre-diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea. The results of recent Phase-2 clinical trials for new and more powerful GLP-1 agonists will be discussed, including how these agents may bridge the gap between lifestyle and metabolic surgery for the treatment of obesity in the near future.