Insulinotropic action of glucagonlike peptide-I-(7-37) in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects.

Whether glucagonlike peptide-I-(7-37) (GLP-I-[7-37]), a naturally occurring intestinal peptide, is insulinotropic in nondiabetic and non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetic subjects. GLP-I-(7-37) or saline placebo was infused (1-5 ng.kg-1.min-1 for 30 min) in 4 nondiabetic and 11 type II diabetic subjects in the fasting and prandial state. Glucose, insulin, and GLP-I-(7-37) levels were measured. GLP-I-(7-37) infusion resulted in a 3- to 10-fold increase in peak insulin levels and in insulin area under the curve in nondiabetic and diabetic subjects. In diabetic subjects, infusion concurrent with a standard meal eliminated the postprandial glucose excursion for 60 min after the meal. Insulin-releasing potency of GLP-I-(7-37) was attenuated at decreased glucose levels. GLP-I-(7-37) has potent insulinotropic effects in nondiabetic and diabetic subjects. Whether GLP-I-(7-37) is useful as a therapeutic medication in type II diabetes requires further investigation.