The Glucagonostatic and Insulinotropic Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Contribute Equally to Its Glucose-Lowering Action

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) exerts beneficial antidiabetic actions via effects on pancreatic β- and α-cells. Previous studies have focused on the improvements in β-cell function, while the inhibition of α-cell secretion has received less attention. The aim of this research was to quantify the glucagonostatic contribution to the glucose-lowering effect of GLP-1 infusions in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Ten male patients with well-regulated type 2 diabetes (A1C 6.9 ± 0.8%, age 56 ± 10 years, BMI 31 ± 3 kg/m2 [means ± SD]) were subjected to five 120-min glucose clamps at fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. On day 1, GLP-1 was infused to stimulate endogenous insulin release and suppress endogenous glucagon. On days 2–5, pancreatic endocrine clamps were performed using somatostatin infusions of somatostatin and/or selective replacement of insulin and glucagon; day 2, GLP-1 plus basal insulin and glucagon (no glucagon suppression or insulin stimulation); day 3, basal insulin only (glucagon deficiency); day 4, basal glucagon and stimulated insulin; and day 5, stimulated insulin. The basal plasma glucagon levels were chosen to simulate portal glucagon levels. RESULTS Peptide infusions produced the desired hormone levels. The amount of glucose required to clamp FPG was 24.5 ± 4.1 (day 1), 0.3 ± 0.2 (day 2), 10.6 ± 1.1 (day 3), 11.5 ± 2.7 (day 4), and 24.5 ± 2.6 g (day 5) (day 2 was lower than days 3 and 4, which were both similar and lower than days 1 and 5). CONCLUSIONS We concluded that insulin stimulation (day 4) and glucagon inhibition (day 3) contribute equally to the effect of GLP-1 on glucose turnover in patients with type 2 diabetes, and these changes explain the glucose-lowering effect of GLP-1 (day 5 vs. day 1).