These synthetic peptides emulate the activity of the natural GLP-1 hormone, playing a critical role in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity by promoting insulin secretion and regulating blood glucose levels
Its principal physiological roles are regulation of postprandial glucose excursions and control of energy intake: amylin slows gastric emptying, inhibits post-prandial glucagon secretion and acts on hindbrain/hypothalamic centres to promote satiety, thereby complementing insulin in maintaining glucose homeostasis
The effects could be much broader than food and healthcare
This showed up in trials where patients lost weight, paving the way for the development of these drugs for obesity as well
In a study recently published by the American Diabetes Association, researchers predict a staggering increase in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes under age 20
Karen Tang , MD, is an OB-GYN and founder of Thrive Gynecology