New ways in which GLP-1 can regulate glucose homeostasis

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has a diverse set of peripheral actions which all serve to promote enhanced glucose tolerance, and for this reason it has become the basis for new treatments for type 2 diabetes. In this issue of the JCI, Knauf et al. provide clear evidence that GLP-1 signaling in the CNS is also linked to the control of peripheral glucose homeostasis by inhibiting non-insulin-mediated glucose uptake by muscle and increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas (see the related article beginning on page 3554). The authors' work points to an important need to integrate diverse GLP-1 signaling actions and peripheral GLP-1 function in order to better understand both normal and abnormal glucose homeostasis.