Glucagon-like peptide-1 promotes satiety and reduces food intake in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

Glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36) amide (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone of the enteroinsular axis. Recent experimental evidence in animals and healthy sub jects suggests that GLP-1 has a role in controlling appetite and energy int ake in humans. We have therefore examined in a double-blind, placebo-contro lled, crossover study in 12 patients with diabetes type 2 the effect of int ravenously infused GLP-1 on appetite sensations and energy intake. On 2 day s, either saline or GLP-1 (1.5 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1)) was given throughout th e experiment. Visual analog scales were used to assess appetite sensations; furthermore, food and fluid intake of a test meal were recorded, and blood was sampled for analysis of plasma glucose and hormone levels. GLP-1 infus ion enhanced satiety and fullness compared with placebo (P = 0.028 for full ness and P = 0.026 for hunger feelings). Energy intake was reduced by 27% b y GLP-1 (P = 0.034) compared with saline. The results demonstrate a marked effect of GLP-1 on appetite by showing enhanced satiety and reduced energy intake in patients with diabetes type 2.